CoM/NAC Research dissemination conference: Towards 2015 successes and challenges of health and HIV/AIDS research in the context of Millenium Development.

Introduction
There are an estimated 285 people living with HIV and AIDS in Nyezelera group village headman in Phalombe district. HIV/AIDS impact not only PLHA but also their whole family. Many PLHA are parents and care givers who are supposed to attend to the needs of their children. The goal of the study was to understand the needs of the families and children affected with HIV/AIDS and the study used mixed methods containing qualitative quantities approaches.
Methods
Focus group were conducted with local health workers, local school teachers, village leaders,persons living with HIV/AIDS and care givers for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Nyezelera. Face to face interviews were conducted with 154 care givers for HIV affected children.
Results
The majority of the care givers interviewed in the quantitative study were parents (84%), 80% were HIV positive, and 58% were female. About 54% of the care givers rated quality of life as poor and 85% reported frequent negative feelings. The daily income per person for HIV/AIDS affected families was MK30.00 than the daily income per day. HIV also impacted family relations and family economic situation. The impact of HIV on children was reflected in children's school performance. Children's nutrition and health were also compromised.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Interventions that address the challenges that families face, build families coping skills, and form supportive local community networks, are needed. Partnerships need to be further strengthened between parents, families, NGO's, CBO's and government to ensure one holistic development of children.