Kazakhstan

Pyscho-Social Capacity-Building for Chronic Illness (HIV) (2007-Present)

Kazakhstan has more cases of HIV/AIDS than in its four neighboring countries - there are an estimated 12,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, with 946 registered at the Mother and Child Health Center in Shyimkent. This Regional HIV/AIDS Center is the only facility responsible for the diagnostics and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the South-Kazakhstan Region, for both adults and children. Presently, there is no psychologist or social worker in the Center. There is also no system of psychological or social help in the city. There are no clinical psychologists in the city; social workers in the city work as clerks with the elderly.

Following a request by the local health authorities to both the Hesed center in Shymkent and to the Israeli Ambassador in Kazakhstan, JDC is offering its assistance in developing psychosocial services for the families living with HIV infected children. The project is a joint effort of three JDC divisions (FSU, IDP, Israel) and the Hadassah HIV/AIDS Center.

Ten professionals who are affiliated with the Mother and Child Health Center are being trained to better serve the affected families. The training consists of two components. The first covers elementary approaches and skills for assessing and working with families. It entails both training and on-going supervision. The supervisor in charge already manages the Hesed social workers' team in Uzbekistan and so is well positioned to oversee the professionals in Shymkent on a regular basis. The second component teaches coping skills needed for living with chronic illnesses in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. This part of the program is implemented together with the Hadassah HIV/AIDS Center.