Home Based Care
WOI works in partnership Omega Foundation to run this programme. Omega Foundation has over 10 years experience in implementing comprehensive care and support projects for people affected by and living with HIV/AIDS in Nyando and Kisumu Districts. Over the past year 2043 individuals have benefited from the Home Based Care Project
Home-based care is a holistic, collaborative effort by the hospital, the family of the patient, and the community to enhance the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) and their families. It is comprehensive care across the continuum of care from the health facility through to community/home level. It encompasses clinical care, nursing care, counseling and psycho-spiritual care, and social support.[1]
Through Home Based Care we aim to increase access to basic health services for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS by bringing services closer to them or giving clear referrals to appropriate services.
Our Home based care entails the following activities;
- Counseling and training of PLWA on how to live positively and the benefits of positive living
- Provision of HBC kits
- Psychosocial support to PLWA and their carers in home settings
- Referral of PLWA to other relevant services such as health centers, income generating, legal redress and support groups
- Nutritional support by providing food and seeds to establish kitchen gardens
- Training of Community Health Workers on best practices of delivering Home Based Care
The advantages of Home Based Care include its accessibility, availability and affordability. For instance instead of PLWA or their carers traveling long distances for care, the care is now delivered in their homes. This has in turn increased uptake of treatment hence more PLWA are living longer positive lives.
Since its inception, this project has resulted into numerous positive benefits for the livelihood of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and the community at large. These include;
- Improved health of PLWA due to increased uptake of care and treatment
- Longer and improved quality of life for PWLA hence reducing the likelihood of orphans
- Nutritional support and other basic health care services
- Reduced instances of ill health and malnutrition among PWLA
- Increased economic productivity among PWLA
- Increased awareness of HIV/AIDS; how it is spread, means of prevention, positive living
- Reduced instances of stigma and discrimination because people are more aware of HIV/AIDS
