The Work of the
HOPE Community Health Worker
PDF Version to printHOPE Cape Town currently employs 16 HOPE Community Health Workers (HCHW) working in 14 low-income communities where they live. The objective is to directly address the HIV and AIDS pandemic by providing access to education, treatment and on-going support within the existing provincial and municipal structures in areas with high HIV burdens.
The HOPE Community Health Workers increase the staff capacity at these facilities in respect of ancillary medical treatment and care. They act as champions for HIV counselling, testing, treatment and adherence with the focus on paediatric/adolescent patients and their families in the various departments where they perform their duties.
The role of the HCHW with regard to HIV includes:
» Prevention
- Educational talks at clinics, visits to schools, distribution of condoms and pamphlets
» Testing
- Pre-test and post-test counselling, as well as the rapid HIV testing
» Treatment
- Counselling about disclosure issues, education about how to take antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) correctly and advice about adherence to ARVs
» Other major work areas of Community Health Workers include:
- Tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment
- Child care services including immunization and nutrition
- Male circumcision
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Support groups and child development groups
