Part One
INTRODUCTORY BACKGROUND
   

BRIEF OVERVIEW ON HIV/AIDS

The Mail and Guardian (4 May, 2001) reported that about 42 million people (close to the total of South African population) in the whole world are HIV positive. HIV/AIDS presents another threat in society in general. The current trend is that the economic active population of the world are the victims of the disease. The safest groups are adults and followed by children. (Population Unit:DSSP&D, 2000).

The South African Institute of Race Relations (SIRR) reported that South Africa could face a negative population growth in 10 years time. The SIRR also reported that the number of people with HIV has increased from 3,6 million to 4.2. million between 1998 and 1999 (Mail and Guardian, 2001). Russel and Schneider (2000) indicated: "In the last few years, the previously silent epidemic of HIV has shifted to a visible epidemic of AIDS. The impacts on health services, families and communities are emerging at a rapid pace."

Mpumalanga is considered the second province that reported highest number of HIV/AIDS. According to the Population Unit in the Department of Social Services, Population and Development in Mpumalanga, it is estimated that 320 000 people are infected with HIV/AIDS. This represents a 10% of the total population of the province. The same unit also indicated that Mpumalanga has a poverty rate of 57%, and antenatal HIV prevalence rate of 27% (Population Unit:DSSP&D, 2001).
 

EVOLUTION OF HOME BASED CARE

Due to shortage of hospitalisation facilities to cope with the growing demands of the HIV/AIDS pandemic the Home Based Care with its concomitant advantages has become a favourable option for many to follow.
The models for Home Based Care can be divided into three categories4:
a) Those utilising semi-skilled or skilled community care givers. Usually their level of training is higher than the second group and they usually work on a full-time basis with a salary/stipend.
b) Those utilising the community volunteers. They are part-time and only receive some incentive.
c) Those with some combinations of the two above.as a negative impact on the economy, social organisation and provision of basic health services. The high prevalence and the ever growing level of infection does not need a single strategy to combat and taking care of the infected. Multidisciplinary strategies are needed where each strategy seeks to achieve a specific objective. Home Based Care is defined as "the day-to-day care and support that a sick/ill person receives within their home environment either from family members, neighbours, church volunteers as well other agencies"2.