Establishing referral networks for comprehensive HIV care in low-resource settings.

Meeting the needs of growing numbers of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) their caregivers and their family members requires the collective effort of many facilities and organizations both clinic- and community-based. It also requires appropriate policies supportive social attitudes and community support systems. Strengthening access to a range of HIV-related services for those in need and promoting communication among service providers requires a formalized referral network of providers. However little information about how to create these networks and few standardized tools to facilitate effective network functioning are available. This document aims to describe several models of referral networks and to provide tools and instructions that can be adapted to different settings. The document is intended for implementers stakeholders and service providers at the facility and community levels who need guidance for creating or improving a referral network of HIV/AIDS-related services. (excerpt)