HIV policy for IBE-Africa region

 

 

HIV POLICY OF THE International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE)-Africa region

IBE Africa REGION

We represent IBE in Africa region. The IBE Africa regions work to improve the social condition and quality of life of people with epilepsy and those who care for them.

Established in 1961 and headquartered in Dublin Ireland, the IBE is an international organization (NGO) for epilepsy organizations that exist to provide support for a strong global network, encourage the development of new chapters in under-served areas of the world, and to encourage communication and collaboration among all members so as to meet our mission and vision.

IBE’s strategic priorities are to ensure that epilepsy is recognized as a health priority worldwide; that the human and civil rights of people with epilepsy are enhanced and protected where they might live; that people with epilepsy are empowered to maximize quality of life; and that research into prevention, treatment, care and consequences of epilepsy are promoted.

Our aim is to enhance and improve the quality of life of our target group. In Africa, IBE has member chapters in 22 countries. Chapters are registered and recognised in their countries. IBE chapters prioritise the social aspects of epilepsy and provide programs to dispel myths, reduce stigma and increase the seizure knowledge of persons living with epilepsy. Every four years the chapters elect four individuals who form the African Regional Executive Committee (AREC). The role of AREC is to coordinate affairs in the region.

Advocacy and human rights

Epilepsy Africa region is a vigorous advocate for the realisation of the human rights of persons with epilepsy as defined in the countries legislation and the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

• Advocacy and human rights development is initiated through training programmes at the individual and trainer levels. The IBE Africa region training programme is approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points with the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP). The training initiative enables persons with epilepsy to become self-advocates to realise their human rights.

• Public education and awareness initiatives aim to inform and educate people about epilepsy to increase understanding and acceptance and decrease discrimination and stigmatisation. Many myths and misconceptions still exist about the condition preventing persons with epilepsy to realise their rights on an equal basis with other citizens.

• Human rights support services aim to advance the realisation of the rights of persons with epilepsy at a macrolevel by influencing policies and legislation and at a microlevel by supporting individual cases of human rights abuses.

 • Information services: Epilepsy South Africa provides information via our website, social media, talks and training and an electronic library housed in the National Office.

Social Development services

 • Counselling: A key service offered is individual, group and family counselling of persons with epilepsy, their families and caregivers, including information dissemination, epilepsy management and successful integration and inclusion of persons with epilepsy in society.

• Health and welfare services: Epilepsy South Africa recognises the need for a more proactive approach to community wellness and thus focuses on issues such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), adherence to treatment regimens and general health promotion. IBE Africa region offers home-based care services in partnership with governments in Africa.

• Day care facilities and stimulation groups: Services are offered at care centres on weekdays focusing on stimulation, care and protective work initiatives, offering families respite and the opportunity to engage in economic activities.

• Child and youth development: Children and young persons with epilepsy represent a particularly vulnerable group in need of specialised services. We provide awareness talks and epilepsy education workshops to enable self-advocacy and create understanding and thus acceptance of epilepsy as a condition. IBE Africa region launched a youth development programme in September 2016.

• Life -skills training: We empower persons with epilepsy (including children and youth) with skills associated with managing and living a better quality of life. Such training enables the target group to reach their goals and fulfil their ambitions.

• Food security projects: Food security plays an important social development role, particularly in impoverished communities. Epilepsy South Africa’ vegetable gardening projects supports food security while creating potential for economic development and independence.

Residential care

accommodates persons with epilepsy (and other disabilities) at six residential care centres. Services include a safe working environment in protective workshops, stimulation programmes, social work services and medical care. As space is limited, applications are carefully considered by a multi-disciplinary team.

Community development

We interact and work with community members for collective action and generating solutions to common problems in terms of economic, social, environmental and cultural issues. As such, Epilepsy South Africa often creates collaborative partnerships to achieve community goals. Support groups provide educational and emotional support to persons with and affected by epilepsy, including sharing information and experiences (peer support) to improve quality

The organisation recognises a variety of employment options for persons with epilepsy, including:

• Protective workshops offer opportunities not only for employment, but also for skills development to enhance employability.

• Open labour market employment enables the direct inclusion of persons with epilepsy. We offer services in terms of recruitment, assessments, placement and employment support for employers and employees.

• Small business development refers to both entrepreneurship (individual level) and income generation initiatives (group level). As an organisation, we offer a variety of entrepreneurial development training programmes (including programmes of the International Labour Organisation) at both entrepreneurial and trainer levels.

Skills development

• Technical skills training: Epilepsy South Africa develops technical skills through on-the-job training of persons with epilepsy. Training aims to meet industry requirements and standards and enable access the open labour market or small business development.

• Learnerships are offered in a variety of fields and levels, including business administration, early childhood development, cleaning and hygiene and furniture manufacturing.