STEPSSA 50+ Project SA Partners: Dissemination Report
The project titled Strengthening Prevention, Treatment and Psychosocial Support Needs of OPLHIV Aged 50+ to reduce morbidity and mortality in the era of HIV Test and Treat All in South Africa: MY LIFE MATTERS_ “Aging with Value” (STEPSSA 50+) aimed to gauge the availability, and access to, HIV prevention, treatment, psychosocial support, and non-communicable disease services in communities in South Africa. Using a mixed method approach to conduct a scoping exercise encompassed listening sessions, focus group discussions, story gathering, and a questionnaire. Policy, Programmes, HIV and Comorbidity literature reviews were conducted. It is through these activities that the project has produced comprehensive information emanating from the communities in nine Provinces of South Africa providing a roadmap for future initiatives. The findings highlight the compounded healthcare and support disparities stemming from both HIV status and age of participants. The project outcome has presented the urgency created by challenges experienced by the intersectionality of aging, living with HIV and the complications added by co-morbidities. The unique challenges require tailored attention and support as highlighted in this report’s future work section.
