Microfinance and HIV mitigation among people living with HIV in the era of anti-retroviral therapy: Emerging lessons from Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The effects of HIV/AIDS have been far-reaching in Africa. Beyond adverse health outcomes and the tremendous toll on life, AIDS has serious economic impacts on households, increasing livelihood insecurity while simultaneously depleting socio-economic resources. Although microfinance is believed to have the potential to mitigate the economic impacts of HIV by helping affected households and communities better prepare for and cope with HIV-related economic shocks, little empirical research exists on this subject. This qualitative study examines the socio-economic impacts of economic strengthening activities on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the era of increased access to anti-retroviral therapy to determine if savings-led, community-managed microfinance is a justified activity for HIV programmes. Findings from a village savings and loan programme, implemented by CARE International in Cote d'Ivoire, revealed that when appropriate medical treatment is available PLHIV are capable of participating in and benefit from microfinance activities, which increased HIV-positive clients' access to money and economic self-sufficiency. By bringing individuals with similar experiences together, savings and loan groups also acted as self-support groups providing psychosocial support while reducing stigmatisation and increasing members' sense of dignity and self-worth.

Food Security and Nutrition Interventions in Response to the Aids Epidemic: Assessing Global Action and Evidence

“…The results of the studies are promising; findings from a village savings and loan program, implemented by CARE International in Côte d'Ivoire, revealed that when appropriate medical treatment is available, PLHIV participate and benefit from microfinance activities, and enhance their economic self-sufficiency [71]. This qualitative study reported that by bringing individuals with similar experiences together, savings and loan groups also acted as self-support groups providing psychosocial support while reducing stigmatization and increasing members' sense of dignity and self-worth.…”

“…Research on how livelihood interventions need to be designed and implemented and their impact is just beginning to emerge [68,[71][72][73]. The results of the studies are promising; findings from a village savings and loan program, implemented by CARE International in Côte d'Ivoire, revealed that when appropriate medical treatment is available, PLHIV participate and benefit from microfinance activities, and enhance their economic self-sufficiency [71].…”

Understanding and mitigating HIV-related resource-based stigma in the era of antiretroviral therapy

“…Analysis involved reading and rereading the data, identifying 30 inductive and deductive themes, and using descriptive analysis to describe the different dimensions and commonalities of each theme. Methods are described in greater detail in Holmes, Winskell, Hennink, and Chidiac (2011).…”

Referral Systems to Integrate Health and Economic Strengthening Services for People with HIV: A Qualitative Assessment in Malawi

“…However, research has shown that targeting the multiple but interrelated needs of PLHIV can produce more sustainable results 3 – 5 . Limited evidence on the effect of community linkages demonstrates important associations between community support and improved clinical outcomes for PLHIV 6 – 8 . Further, Okello et al note that "… strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations to play a frontline role in implementing interventions in health, economic and social development is a prerequisite for transformational development.…”