Peer support networks

The peer support system of Hygeia Foundation takes cognisance of the immense value of  empowering People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) to play the role of peer counsellors in a facility in their community. In addition to peer counselling, they support adherence counselling and assist with tracking those who do not keep up with their  follow-up appointments.

The peer educator adds a voice and face to HIV management and this encourages early and easy acceptance of status and disclosure as the educators  act as a springboard for the new client just finding out about his or her status.

This is a model for the private health sector in the national response to HIV and AIDS. By this effort the Foundation has demonstrated its quest for best practice, thus encouraging Meaningful Involvement of People Living with AIDS (MIPA).