A national audit of home and community-based care (HCBC) organisations in South Africa

Abstract

Home and community-based care (HCBC) has emerged as a way to provide cost-effective and compassionate care to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and those affected by the epidemic. HCBC organisations provide integrated services which address the basic needs of those infected and affected such as food, shelter, healthcare, protection from abuse and malnutrition. The main objective of this study was to conduct an audit of HCBC organisations in South Africa in order to provide the Government with empirical information on their existence, distribution, services and challenges. The primary approach to this task was to conduct a telephonic audit of organisations rendering HCBC services. Of the 2001 HCBC organisations that participated in the audit, the majority were situated in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces. More than half of all the organisations were located in the rural areas. The audited HCBC organisations targeted orphans and vulnerable children, PLHIV and vulnerable households and provided services such as conducting home visits, providing material and psychosocial support and running support groups. Most of the organisations were, however, faced with challenges such as lack of access to water, electricity and computer equipment and a formal office space. In addition, some organisations were in need of funds for stipends for their community caregivers. Non-availability of funds for stipends and necessary assets might affect the quality of HCBC services rendered. The findings of the study therefore suggest the need for more financial assistance from the Government and other stakeholders for organisations rendering HCBC services, in order for them to afford necessary assets and provide sustainable, high-quality services that can help in reducing HIV impacts in South Africa.