Empowering a Limpopo rural community to Integrate Ubuntu in caring for PLWHIV/AIDS or TB

Globally, few studies were conducted mostly in Africa on Ubuntu and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). These studies did not incorporate empowering communities on integrating Ubuntu HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis (TB). As such, this study used empowerment as a tool to raise awareness in the community about how they can integrate Ubuntu when caring for people living with HIV (PLWHIV)/AIDS or TB.

This study aimed to empower community members to use Ubuntu philosophy when caring for PLWHIV/AIDS or TB in the rural community of Limpopo province.

An integrative qualitative research design was used in which data were collected through a workshop with participants. The population was unemployed matriculants, traditional health professionals and community healthcare workers who were purposefully sampled and divided into eight groups. Data were collected through a focus group discussion and analysed using content analysis. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were followed.

Integrating Ubuntu philosophy can reduce stigma, discrimination and lack of disclosure. This might be achieved through humanity, attitude changing and formation of a support group.

The principles of Ubuntu (caring, sharing, support, humility, attitude change) came up strongly in preventing stigma and discrimination in the care of PLWHIV/AIDS or TB.Contribution: Community empowerment and integration of Ubuntu philosophical values might have a positive impact on improving the social status of PLWHIV or TB, their families and the community at large.