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 photo: Nikki Kastner Susan Cole and Robert Fieldhouse join the UKC as Co-ordinators for the Knowledge is Power project |
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The UKC welcomes a new project backed by the DoH to raise awareness and encourage testing for HIV co-infections
I never thought it could happen to me. I thought that TB was a disease of the past, so I believed it was the last thing that I’d get. I didn’t recognise the symptoms and even my doctors took some time to diagnose what was wrong with me. I nearly died. I wish I’d known more about it.” So said Steve (name has been changed) thirty-six and HIV positive, about being diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1994.
Steve is not alone in knowing very little about this disease, despite the fact that TB is now one of the most frequent Aids-defining illnesses in the UK. There appears to be a similar lack of knowledge about the prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) in the UK and its transmission modes, even though liver-related illnesses are one of the major causes of mortality in people who have HIV.
Because of the prevalence of TB and hepatitis C in people living with HIV/Aids in the UK, and the importance of knowledge in empowerment and informed decision-making, the UKC is launching the Knowledge is Power project this month. Funded by the Department of Health, this project aims to raise awareness of the prevalence of TB and hepatitis C and to educate people about transmission, treatment and available support services. The project also aims to encourage individuals to take action, by safeguarding against transmission and testing for possible infection.
Robert Fieldhouse and Susan Cole, who both worked previously at NAM (the HIV information charity) will be jointly co-ordinating this project. They will commence a nationwide ‘pilot’ campaign to increase knowledge about TB and hepatitis C. Initially they will research what’s currently available to HIV positive individuals with TB or HCV, and will assess awareness of TB and HCV concerns, by running focus groups with people affected. They will ensure the campaign is informed, relevant and ultimately successful.
Robert and Susan were jointly responsible for running NAM’s monthly Information Forums in London. They will be organising special briefings for the Knowledge is Power project across the UK for people affected by HIV/AIDS who want to learn about HCV or TB. These events will be free of charge and should provide an excellent opportunity to find out more about these illnesses from healthcare professionals, as well as from individuals with personal experiences.
In addition to these briefings, the campaign will also include outreach sessions, articles in Positive Nation, poster and magazine advertising, and distribution of leaflets across the UK. The UKC will be working in partnership with the African HIV Policy Network and Gay Men Fighting AIDS to guide and create the targeted campaign and it is hoped that other HIV service providers and agencies will join this project as it evolves, to ensure that as many people as possible can be reached.
Service users are encouraged to get involved with the project through a number of volunteering opportunities, and will be given training and support. If you are interested in participating, or have any questions or comments about the project, please do not hesitate to contact Robert or Susan on 020 7564 2180; email: rfieldhouse@ukcoalition.org or scole@ukcoalition.org
