local communities in
Empowering
the Dominican Republic
and
to
challenge
the status quo
improve
standards of living
Proyecto Alianza Comunitaria El Seibo (PACES): HIV/AIDS Project Overview
Summary
The PACES project aims to increase access to prevention and treatment services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) by improving linkages between communities and local health services. Our goal is to empower PLHIV and their families and caregivers through advocacy against discrimination and social stigma.
Desired Outcomes
Improved health and wellbeing for PLHIV and families through access to health services and emotional support, adequate nutrition, and potable water provision.
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Emotional support and counseling to PLHIV and their families and caregivers by trained health promoters
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Reduced discrimination and social stigma through advocacy of rights of PLHIV and community awareness
Successes
102 PLHIV and 240 family members received prevention, treatment, and counseling services from 10 health promoters trained by CSA.
2000 community members participated in workshops about HIV prevention, stigma, and sexual health
Gardens and water filters were installed, providing over 100 people with improved nutrition and sanitation
Regional provincial hospital improved intake capacity by 25%.
Project Site
El Seibo is nestled in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, just outside of Hato Mayor. It is a rural community that ranks among the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS in the country.
PLHIV
People Living with HIV/AIDS lack access to and awareness of important health services such as treatment at local hospitals and family counseling services. Their opportunities are further limited by discrimination and social stigma.
Partners
Colgate University, Unviersity at Albany, & University of Michigan volunteers built home gardens and gave nutrition talks.
CIEE’s volunteers supported income generation activities for PLHIV.
DPS El Seibo & Hospital Provincial Teófilo Hernandez supported each stage of proJect’s implementation.
Rotary International donated water filters and trained technicians.
Utah State University interns implemented activities with PLHIV.
Get Involved
Empower PLHIV to use available resources and self-advocate for their rights and opportunities through support groups, family counseling, and health services provision.
Implement workshops for PLHIV and their families and community members, as well as installation of gardens and water filters for improved nutrition and sanitation
Develop sustainable partnerships locally, through a network of trained health promoters and improve capacity of and access to regional health services and hospital
