HIV and AIDS - Changing children's lives
Project learning - community transformation
Memory work is also having an impact on attitudes and behaviour at a community level. A noticeable result from the work of the IMP partners is that, after taking part in memory work, participants become active in their community.
Activities range from helping friends and neighbours write memory books,
supporting other people to get tested and access to ART, to providing assistance
with children. at an individual, family and community level are to be achived.
Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV, is pervasive and a major
barrier to developing community-led responses. There are many reasons for
stigma including misinformation and the association of HIV with certain
behaviours, which are judged as immoral in many societies. Stigma and discrimination
impact, directly, on the spread of HIV by preventing people from:
- testing for HIV
- talking openly about HIV
- accessing information
- using condoms
- disclosing their status
- protecting themselves and others against the virus
Memory work reduces level of stigma and discrimination in the community by encouraging communication between individuals in the community regarding HIV issues and how to care for someone living with HIV. Witnessing families caring for relatives creates a positive influence on other members of the community and builds strong community support structures.
Levels of stigma and discrimination are also being reduced among community and religious leaders. Securing their involvement in memory work, as early as possible in the project planning, results in increased support for people living with HIV. The acceptance of the religious leaders means that other community members have a role model and further reduces stigma. Kiwakkuri has found it benefical when religious leaders advocate planning for the future and will-writing.
"Kiwakkuki
was very wise when it began its memory work. It went to churches and mosques
and got the support of religious leaders. When these leaders tell people
it is important for the community to care for its members living with HIV,
it has an impact and other people listen ."
Peter, Tanzania
Supporting each other
Memory work links and strengthens a range of already existing community-based structures. Memory work re-energises organisations and, where necessary, supports participants to form alternative groups. A strategy implemented by all IMP partners, has been to facilitate support groups for both adults and children. These groups are designed to reflect local needs, and form the basis for community action.
Formal and informal groupings to develop income-generating activities, often emerge from support groups. Poverty increases vulnerability to HIV, which, in turn, often impacts on people's ability to make a living. Stigma and discrimination or ill-health, due to opportunitistic infections, prevent people from with HIV from finding work. Income-generating activities are vital for any HIV response.
"My group is the Triple A group, Army Against AIDS. In the triple
A group, all members are positive (men and women), so I was welcomed in
the group. The group does Income Generating Activities (IGAs) now and the
income is to support the group members when they are bedridden or need money
for medication. We have 3 IGAs now. 1) We well clothes. 2) We make tablecloths
for sale. 3) We do soap making. Monday is reporting day. We discuss if anyone
has any urgent problems who needs help. If not we save the money."
Jane's story, Nairobi, Kenya
Influencing cultural change
HIV is highly influenced by national and local culture and practice. Culture influences how the viruses spreads , how openly people people communicate about HIV and how people respond to the reality of the pandemic.
- Enabling individuals to discuss HIV with family and members of the wider community. A culture of openness allows people to access information on HIV, discover their HIV status and receive treatment, care and support.
- Build individuals's skills and confidence, so that they can interact with a range of different service providers to get the care and support that they need.
More on influencing cultural change