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Infectious Diseases
and STD-AIDS
Infectious Diseases and STD-AIDS 2018
Journal of Transmitted Diseases and Immunity
ISSN 2471-8084
A p r i l 2 6 , 2 7 2 0 1 8
R o m e , I t a l y
Page 64
J Transm Dis Immun 2018 Volume 2
DOI: 10.21767/2573-0320-C1-003
Objectives:
The objective is to introduce Indigenous specific APHA peer mentor training (train the trainer). Discuss how to plan
and implement APHA peer mentor training for Indigenous people living with HIV/AIDS.
Methods:
This program is believed to be ground breaking, in that many AIDS Service Organizations, Indigenous or nonindigenous,
do not have a formal manner in which to have peer mentors offer guidance to newly diagnosed APHAs (Aboriginal people living
with HIV/AIDS). This program contains a number of documents and tools that can train peer mentors to fulfill this needed role
and offer guidance and support to others in need. Stepping into this role can also help the peer mentor on their personal spiritual
journey.
Results:
Engaging indigenous people living with HIV/AIDS increase capacity, access to treatment and care for people living with
HIV/AIDS, decrease transmission rates and reduce stigma and discrimination.
Conclusion:
Peer mentors are essential to sustaining the indigenous response to HIV/AIDS. While this training is HIV/AIDS
specific, it can be tailored to other target and priority populations involved in the healing journey.
ea@accesswave.caAboriginal people living with HIV/AIDS (APHA) peer
mentor training
Julie Thomas and Arthur Miller
Executive Director, Healing Our Nations, Canada