Living Well in Africa
Between 2005 and 2007 Living Well, ICA:UK, Thames Valley
University and Aga Khan University collaborated in an
Elton John AIDS Foundation funded pilot of the PSMP in
Kenya and Uganda.
Participants reported that the PSMP helped them improve
their quality of life, empowering them to make informed
decisions regarding key issues such as diet and
nutrition; sexual health; exercise; problem solving; and
disclosure. More participants started taking anti-HIV
medication following their completion of the Programme
and those that were already taking antiretroviral
medication reported improvements in their adherence.
Lessons learned: The PSMP proved itself adaptable to the
African context. Although further work is still
required, it is recommended that the experience, lessons
and evidence from this pilot can be used to introduce
the PSMP to other countries in Africa. The PSMP is
already being delivered in Zambia and it is Living Well's hope
and vision that people living with HIV in Southern Africa will
also benefit from the PSMP.
Next steps: It is important that information is
tailored for the country of delivery and that the topics are
covered in a way that makes it easier for participants to
understand and follow.
In July 2009 Living Well presented findings from the pilot at the 5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis,
Treatment and Prevention in Cape Town. For a full copy of the 2005-2007 Kenya and Uganda Report or
for more information about Living Well's work in Africa email:
admin@livingwelluk.com.
Currently, Living Well is working in partnership with Jonathan Dudding, Director of International Programmes ICA:UK, in an attempt to source further funding to roll out the PSMP across Kenya and produce a sustainable approach that can be used as a model of best practice for the effective regional integration of the programme. If you would like to support us in our attempts through a donation please click on the Supporting People with HIV/AIDS in Kenya link on the left of this page.
Click on theYou Tube link below to watch a short video made by the African PSMP
participants and facilitators following the completion
of the pilot.
