Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS
The Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) programme is a patient-led initiative designed to build a network of care supporters and volunteers who promote adherence to HIV treatment, and also helps ‘Friends’ gain entrepreneurial skills to become self-sufficient. The GIPA philosophy of inclusivity is part of a growing understanding that everyone, including ‘Friends,’ has a role in the care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS.
The introduction of the GIPA programme (with its array of activities) has been a cornerstone in their lives, as they live positively with HIV/AIDS. IDI impacts ‘Friends’ through the Governance Council for ‘Friends’- a patient’s advocacy group that acts as a formal link between ‘Friends’ and IDI’s administration. Members of the Friends’ council are elected by all patients at IDI including IDI music, dance and drama (MD&D); Peer educators/Expert ‘Friends’; Market Place/skills development and Art and Crafts patient groups.
