The article, which can be downloaded here, suggests that for HIV services to be effective and get to the people who are not currently reached, there need to be better links between community providers of HIV care and professionals within health institutions.
It recommends that these linkages should be strengthened through:
- Wider community participation in design and implementation of HIV programs
- Better institutional structures that enable transfer of knowledge from highly educated health workers to community health workers
- Better referral systems between community-based organisations and formal health institutions
- Formalised partnerships between civil society the public and private health sector
- Better investments in health
It concludes by noting that integration of informal (community) and formal health systems can increase efficiency, reduce staff overload, increase awareness (and uptake) of services and can enhance community mobilisation and participation, which is a critical enabler in the AIDS response.
To find out more about recent Alliance research click here.