What role do community health workers play in HIV/AIDS care?

Community health workers play a crucial role in HIV/AIDS care by providing education and support to individuals at risk or living with the virus. Their work encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving health outcomes within their communities. They often engage in outreach to increase awareness about HIV transmission and prevention methods, facilitate access to testing and treatment, and support adherence to medication regimens.

Education provided by community health workers can empower individuals to make informed health decisions, reduce stigma associated with HIV, and foster a supportive environment where those living with HIV can seek help and resources. This educational and supportive approach is essential in addressing not just the medical needs, but also the social and emotional aspects of living with HIV/AIDS.

On the other hand, other options like exclusively providing medical treatment or performing surgeries fall outside their scope, as community health workers do not operate in clinical roles but instead focus on support and education. Conducting research on the virus is another specialized area that typically involves trained researchers with a different set of skills and credentials. Therefore, the provision of education and support is the focal point of community health workers' contributions to HIV/AIDS care.