[procaare] HCC:Summary 5: Post Conference Discussion

[Insight Initiative Team <insight@hdnet.org>]

HCC:Summary 5: Post Conference Discussion
- Insight Initiative, Thailand
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Introduction:

We have concluded the post conference discussion on Theme 4: Positive living in which we
examined a few of the key issues  discussed in this area during the HCC Conference. The
discussion commenced on the 20th February 02 and concludes today, the 26th February 02.
This also concludes our structured discussion on Home and Community Care.Thank you so much
for your consistent support during the 7 months of this discussion.Your insightful
contributions have resulted in a successful
and fruitful discussion.

The Home and Community Care discussion survey will be distributed soon, through which we
will ask for your feedback on the structured discussion. We value your comments, as this
will be used to guide us in future discussions.

A final update and resource list will follow next week.

Theme 4: Post Conference Discussion Summary

The discussion commenced with a review of Lynde Francis', Zimbabwe presentation. Lynde's
involvement in serving communities and supporting PLHA's is noteworthy and highlights the
importance of PLHA's being in the driving seat of the epidemic.

We next looked at Dr Chureeratana of Thailand's plenary speech in which she stated that
'The power of humanity' is what is needed to address this epidemic. She emphasized that
the disease is rooted in stigma and discrimination. It was explained that positive living
with HIV/AIDS involves three components: acceptance, information and action.

Dr Chureeratana indicated that ARV therapy also brings with it its own problems.
Treatments are complex when nutrition, toxicity and adherence are taken into account. It
was emphasised that it takes discipline and determination to ensure such treatments are
effective.

The discussion then moved on to counselling. The question was asked as to whether it is
only counselling that can bring hope? It was strongly felt that although it is very
important there are many other factors that are necessary for PLHA's survival which
include being loved and having someone to love.

The benefits of self care were next examined. It was said that basic self-care is vital
yet simple and it decreases the incidence of opportunistic infections. Stu Flavell's final
messages to all in this session were that it is the individual resources of the person
themselves that will determine what is appropriate for them.

The story of an extraordinary woman named Priya's was recounted next. Her life like so
many other PLHA's has not been easy. Priya's story demonstrates the power of humanity, for
both good and harm.

Acceptance and disclosure were cited as the keys to positive living, but it was again
mentioned that stigmatisation impacts heavily on disclosure. It was felt that the solution
to self-acceptance and disclosure is primarily based on the self-education and
self-awareness of PLHA's along with the psychological support from family members, peers,
and all others who are around to support them.

Long-term non-progression of HIV infection and the factors affecting disease progression
were examined. It was stated that long-term non-progression is the result of individual
variability both in the virus and in the host. Thus there is the need for both virologic
and immunologic monitoring to guide prognosis and treatment decisions. Studies of LTNPs
have important implications for vaccine development.

Finally, alternative therapies were evaluated. It was felt that these therapies must be
considered as possible options. It was said that this should be a personal decision based
on sound information according to the needs of the person.

The use of herbal preparations and other alternative therapies possesses vital advantages
such as acceptability, affordability and culture - compatibility. It has proven over the
years that these approaches can be effective in treating opportunistic infections and
should thus be given the attention it warrants.

Thank you for your support throughout the discussion. The success of this discussion is
attributed to your contributions.

With best wishes

Insight Initiative Team, Thailand
Health & Development Networks
Email: insight@hdnet.org
Web: www.hdnet.org

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The Insight Initiative Project is managed by Health & Development Networks (HDN) in
collaboration with the Thailand Red Cross Society, the World Health Organization and the
Royal Thailand Government, with financial support from AusAid and UNAIDS.

For more information about this project (the 'Insight Initiative'), visit the HDN website
at: http://www.hdnet.org

Fifth International Conference on Home and Community Care for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS
Chiang Mai, Thailand - 17-20 December 2001
Website: http://www.hiv2001.com


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