Treatment adherence training for care takers of children

[Guest guest]

Treatment adherence training for care takers of children

A two day workshop was organized for care takers to encourage adherence to

treatment among children. The training was organized by Kerala Positive Women

Network (KPWN+) and facilitated by consultants from Buds of Christ.

Women from five districts participated and supported by International

Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) and TIDES Foundation.

The training schedule included details on ARV treatment, the need for

adherence, nutrition, side effects and factors that affect adherence through

participatory activities. These activities helped women realize the need on drug

adherence. The training also encouraged discussions around their own personal

experiences on taking treatment and how it is important in the case of children.

In the training it was realized that most of them had been exposed to such

training information on care taking for children for the first time. The facts

on the difference in the testing methods of children from that of adults also

helped them to realize that CD4 alone was not the determining factor for

children's health status.

Some of the recommendation expressed for further trainings included

disclosure aspects, how to communicate to children, teaching children on

HIV/AIDS and life skills education. Some of the women participants also

expressed the need for special training for children above14, especially to

children between 16 and18 as they have heard and witnessed cases of abuse.

They also expressed that children below the age mentioned are also

vulnerable to abuse, especially orphan children.

Ms.Bindu , President of KPWN+ expressed that specific trainings in dealing

children is very vital and the need of the hour.

Any details regarding the full details of the workshop can be obtained from

Ms.Bindu at kpwn@...

Bindu Boby

e-mail: <bindupb@...>