Break The Silence

TO QUESTION,TO EXPRESS,TO ACCEPT

By Gregory De Vries

What is a treatment supporter? A treatment supporter is a committed and trustworthy adult who helps someone living with HIV/AIDS to make their treatment a success.

Who can be treatment supporter? A treatment supporter can be a family member, partner or friend who:

· is older than 18 years

· is mentally and physically fit:

· can read and write:

· has a permanent home address;

· can come to the health facility when needed;

· will be there for the patient now and in the future;

· has the patient’s trust.

How is the treatment supporter prepared? The treatment supporter should:

· encourage abstinence or condom use:

· help the patient to keep all doctor’s appointments;

· remind the patient to take the medication as required:

· tell the health worker about any problems that affect the treatment:

· not abuse alcohol or drugs:

· contact home- based care givers when necessary:

· bring the patient to the clinic when he or she is sick:

· make sure the patient drinks enough clean water and eats healthy foods (such as fruit and vegetables)

· not support more patients than he or she can really care for:

• understand the side effects of the treatment and helps the patient deal withy them when they occur.

Why must there be a treatment supporter?

· HIV/AIDS medicine must be taken everyday for the rest of the patient’s life – this is easier to do with support.

· Patients need emotional support- this is often just someone to talk to.

· The patient needs to feel accountable to someone and feel that someone cares.