Intensive Training and Tool Kit, Indicates Adequate Preparation To Combat AIDS.

With the longest chain of volunteers, The Red Cross remains a reliable humanitarian organization that is aware of the influence of communities in the global response to HIV and AIDS, and has plans to reach out to the masses with a useful collection of tools, knowledge and skills.

Nearly 22 Red Cross HIV and AIDS care facilitators and 11 trainers completed a three week training session on HIV and AIDS prevention, care, treatment and support tool kit.

The tool kit is equipped to enable information to the community based volunteers on the features of antiretroviral therapy and the importance of treatment using this therapy. This tool kit is unique and comprises of information capsules, which is the first of its kind to be developed in the world. Eight modules make up the tool kit that caters to a range of topics on basic HIV and AIDS, treatment literacy, adherence, palliative care, and care for carers, treatment preparedness, counseling, nutrition and positive living.

The training was conceived and developed by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) in partnership with World Health Organization (WHO) and Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAFAIDS), the Ministry of Health, The Centre, an organization for people living with HIV and AIDS, Hospaz and Connect.

Sara Page, SAFAIDS Deputy Director, very optimistic about the success of the tool kit said "The development of the tool kit is an important milestone across the world as it empowers the communities and volunteers on treatment. This is a special moment for us and we will continue learning from the beginning of this experience, realizing that information is power.