Community systems strengthening for HIV care: experiences from Uganda

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health Systems
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• The increasing burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) necessitates a greater reliance on community caregivers and functional community systems.
• Uganda faces challenges with weak health systems, making the role of community systems in palliative care poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of community systems in providing palliative care within Uganda.
• To identify essential system elements required for an effective community-based response to HIV palliative care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews and focus group discussions were conducted.
• Participants included palliative care providers and recipients, family members, and governmental and community stakeholders.
• The study was conducted in Mbale and Jinja, Uganda.

Main Results:

• Community systems significantly contribute to various aspects of palliative care, including personal, livelihood, nutritional, and bereavement support.
• These systems effectively strengthen care linkages and referrals within the community.
• Key system elements for effective community palliative care include leadership, training, partnerships, and enabling policies.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening community systems is a viable strategy to reduce the burden of HIV on families and health systems.
• A systems approach can guide investments and identify community structures to maximize the impact of palliative care programs.
• Enhanced community systems are crucial for comprehensive HIV and health management.