THE CONTRIBUTION OF CLINICAL (TREATMENT) SUPPORT TO THE WELLBEING OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS (PLWHA) IN MBALA DISTRICT

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the contribution of Clinical (Treatment) Support to the wellbeing of People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Mbala District. The study used the phenomenological research design on the population of Mbala district. The study sampled eight (8) participants who were PLWHA and were supported by the Faith-Based Organisation in Mbala District. The eight (8) participants were purposively sampled because they were the ones who experienced the support from the Faith-Based Organisation and were interviewed. The study established that the clinical support was provided in three ways which included ART clinic support, Timed Clinical Visits and Support Sustenance. It can be concluded that there was sufficient clinical support which was provided to the People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Mbala District through the various clinics. This has contributed to the long life which the PLWHA were experiencing, and the support should therefore, continue. The study recommended that the Ministry of Health should ensure that they continue providing the medical services to the PLWHA in the rural parts of Zambia because this has made the services to be closer to the patients thereby reducing on the cost. However, there is need to expand the facilities to cater for the increasing demand of the services in the Zambian communities so as to make people’s lives to be sustained.