About this role
HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Facilitator
Project Description: Professionals with experience in HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, or social behavior change programs are needed in Zambia.
Over the last two decades, the response to HIV in Zambia has expanded from just testing to more care and treatment-focused policies. Despite this, HIV continues to be a major public health issue in Zambia and is one of the top five causes of morbidity among communicable diseases. There is still a need for early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and an uptake of prevention interventions. As an HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Facilitator, you will collaborate with health facility staff and community members to strengthen HIV-related education and support. Alongside your colleagues, you will support people living with HIV access care and treatment services to reduce their vulnerability and prevent subsequent infections.
Required Skills: Competitive candidates must meet all of the following criteria:
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Biology, Health Sciences, Health Education, or related field AND 2 or more years of experience working in low-resource health systems focusing on HIV/AIDS, sexual/reproductive health, or social behavior change programs
Living Conditions: Volunteers will live in an urban or town setting in either an apartment or house with running water.
The work site will be within a reasonable walking or biking distance from the Volunteer’s home with public transportation options available as well.
Activities: Plan and facilitate trainings for both people living with HIV and health service providers. Support local health workers on home visits for antiretroviral treatment adherence. Assist with recordkeeping, HIV testing, and the distribution of prevention materials. Strengthen HIV mother-to-child transmission education offered during antenatal visits. Identify opportunities to track and store pharmaceuticals more effectively.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as sports or nutrition workshops
Training: After a 3-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with health care workers.
Together, you will assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Zambia will equip you with language resources for one of the country’s 45 native languages and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
Job Highlights: Acquire an understanding of public health challenges in Southern Africa. Experience the beautiful traditions of over 70 ethnic groups. Build lifelong relationships with colleagues, community members, and fellow Volunteers.