Implementation of a model psychosocial to strengthen treatment adherence in HIV/AIDS of children and adolescents in south lima Author: Ps. Desireé Salazar; Co-authors: Ps. Patricia Salazar; Ps. Álvaro García; Jacopo Villani

Location: The Republic of Peru located in South America with a population of 30 million. The project was executed in the capital Lima, specifically in South Lima. In areas of Villa El Salvador and Villa Maria del Triunfo. Project Duration: November, 2009 to January, 2011 Financial support: CTB BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents (NNA) infected with HIV receiving HAART at a public hospital in Lima South. Problems: Psychosocial conditions of high vulnerability Difficulty speaking of diagnosis Lack of adherence. Stigma and discrimination

The implementation of this model comes from the minimun interventions of the Peruvian health system towards HIV/AIDS positive children and adolescents.

The objective is to establish a program that provides children and adolescents with a caring, quality and confidential service. The model would contribute to reduce stigma and discrimination.

METODOS Population of intervention: NNA infected and affected by HIV. Families mostly grandparents, some Quechua speakers, with low education Community leaders of the local health facility sensitized to the topic. Teachers from nearby schools.

NNA infected and affected by VIH Session Self-Care: Nutrition, grooming and hygiene

Session: Rights: reducing stigma and Discrimination Development of educational materials in the workshops of Art and Creativity..

Result 1: 31 NNAV Trained and sensitized on the subject

Families and Carers Psychotherapeutic support to report the diagnosis Management of the diagnosis Result 2: 28 families of NNAV received support psychosocial and participated Process actively strengthening capacity

Advocacy - Community leaders and teachers Results 3 and 4: 45 community leaders sensitized on the issues of stigma and discrimination HIV-related 73 teachers strengthened in your abilities, work the topic with their students

Lessons Learned NNAV are more assertive and confident in situations of stigma and discrimination. Families and parents of NNAV are prepared to assume responsibilities and standards in health care. The school community informed and sensitized strengthen the process of reducing stigma and discrimination and reinforce adherence to treatment.

“…Yo era otra, si me hubieran visto no me reconocían, pero desde que empecé a venir a mis talleres, he aprendido mucho, mis hermanas dicen que ven diferente….porqué yo quiero vivir y quiero que mi hija también viva y crezca feliz” Madre con VIH participante del proyecto al igual que su hija “Le diria a otros niños, que vengan aquí, que no estamos solos….que hay muchos niños con VIH y TENEMOS DERECHOS” M. y K. adolescentes participantes del proyecto.

Muchas gracias