Excellent health for all

HIV

Nurses Advocate for Continuous HIV Treatment During ARVs4Me Launch

In a groundbreaking initiative, nurses across various districts played a pivotal role during the launch of the ARVs4Me campaign. Launched in November 2023, the primary objective of the campaign has been to educate and inspire communities most impacted by HIV, emphasising the critical importance of initiating and maintaining antiretroviral treatment. During these events, dedicated nurses have engaged communities in informative sessions, guiding individuals through various aspects of HIV treatment. Their efforts have focused on advising those infected and affected by the virus, stressing the significance of consistent treatment adherence. Participants have been immersed in activities designed to raise awareness about HIV treatment, debunk myths, and emphasise the importance of staying on the prescribed antiretroviral regimen. During these activities, Anova Health Institute had the opportunity to speak to several nurses who shared their insights on treatment adherence in HIV. One of these nurses was Sister Corlette Sekgogoba, a dedicated professional nurse from the Diepsloot South Clinic who emphasised the relationship between ARVs and a client’s viral load. “ARVs don\’t kill the virus but stop HIV from multiplying and destroying CD4 cells, a vital component of the immune system responsible for combating germs and infections,” she said. “ARVs prevent HIV from causing harm to the body, and individuals on treatment live longer than those who are not.” Sister Corlette also pointed out the importance of consistently taking medication, stressing that taking HIV treatment as prescribed suppresses the virus, reducing the risk of transmission to loved ones. She also highlighted the positive outcomes for pregnant women living with HIV, as proper treatment can reduce transmission to newborns, allowing for the birth of HIV-free babies. To streamline the treatment process, Sister Corlette explained that blood tests are done regularly to monitor the HIV viral load. “If suppressed, individuals can conveniently collect their medication from designated pick-up points, minimising clinic visits to twice a year or every six months,” she explained. For those who may discontinued their HIV treatment, Sister Corlette encouraged them to return to the clinic promptly. “A lapse in treatment could lead to a compromised immune system, increasing susceptibility to illnesses,” she said. The ARVs4Me launch, led by our committed nursing teams, proved to be a resounding success, reinforcing the collective commitment to ensuring the well-being of communities affected by HIV. Visit ARVs4Me.co.za for more information.

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Streamlining Medication Collection: Collect & Go E-Lockers for Easy Access

Accessing essential medicine is a vital part of managing acute and chronic conditions including HIV and chronic conditions such as HIV, Hypertension, Diabetes, to name a few. However, the journey to collect lifelong HIV treatment, antiretroviral treatment (ART) can be fraught with challenges, especially for those living in far-to-reach communities. In response to these challenges, the Collect & Go e-Lockers offer a groundbreaking solution, simplifying medication collection and promoting better health outcomes. The Challenges of Medication Collection For many people, collecting medication regularly poses several obstacles. Due to increased service pressures, many of the government’s Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities are congested and overcrowded. For clinicians and other medical professionals, this can lead to overwhelming workloads, leading to higher rates of burnout and reduced job satisfaction. These challenges may hinder clinicians from delivering the high-quality care they are trained for and utilizing their expertise effectively. As a result, they may struggle to prioritize the needs of both clients; those beginning treatment) and those facing difficulties while on treatment. For clients accessing care, overcrowded facilities can present delays. They may experience significant inconvenience due to extended waiting times and may not receive the person-centered, respectful, and comprehensive care they deserve. This includes aspects such as health promotion, wellness support, and assistance in developing their capacity for self-management Other challenges faced by clients include: Time constraints: Juggling work, family responsibilities, and daily life can leave little time for visiting healthcare facilities during operational hours. Transportation issues: Lack of reliable transportation or the financial burden of travel to healthcare centres can be a significant barrier. Stigma and privacy: Concerns about privacy and stigma may deter some individuals from visiting healthcare facilities regularly. Queueing and wait times: Long queues and extended waiting times at healthcare facilities can lead to frustration and missed work or other commitments. These factors often result in a decrease in adherence to treatment and poorer clinical outcomes. In a response to this, the Department of Health has emphasized the importance of exploring differentiated solutions to offer improved services to a broader population, considering their real-life experiences. These Differentiated Models of Care (DMOC) provide an approach to addressing these challenges in a way that adds value to both the client and the service providers. Introducing Collect & Go e-Lockers  One of the mechanisms of overcoming barriers to care is the Collect & Go e-Lockers. They are designed to address the challenges faced by clients and healthcare providers by providing a convenient and discreet way to collect medicine. Situated in convenient and accessible pick-up points, these e-lockers reduce facility visits whilst improving client satisfaction and access to care. Here’s how they work: Accessibility: E-lockers are strategically placed in easily accessible locations within communities, reducing the need for long journeys. Extended hours: Unlike traditional healthcare facilities, e-lockers are available 24/7, allowing clients to pick up their medication at a time that suits them. Privacy: The e-lockers ensure privacy in medication collection, removing concerns about stigma or unwanted attention. Minimal wait times: Long queues and extended wait times are reduced. Collect & Go e-lockers provide a swift and hassle-free experience. User-Friendly: The system is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making medication collection a breeze. Why Clients Should Consider Collect & Go e-Lockers? Convenience: With e-lockers, clients have the flexibility to collect their medication at their own time, reducing the stress of coordinating visits to healthcare facilities. Privacy: Clients can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with discreet and confidential medication collection. Time-saving: Time-consuming journeys and long wait times are minimised as e-lockers prioritize time and convenience. Improved adherence: By making medication collection easier, the e-lockers promote better adherence to treatment plans, which is crucial for managing NCDs and HIV. e-Lockers offer an accessible and convenient way for clients to collect their medication at a time convenient to them. They also lower the burden on healthcare facilities that are often short staffed and overwhelmed with workloads. Please visit a health clinic near you to find out more information.

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