Enhancing Viral Suppression Among Children and Adolescents Living with HIV in a Nomadic Community: A People-Centered Metrics Approach

Background:

Children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) in nomadic communities face unique challenges in accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART), resulting in suboptimal viral suppression rates. This intervention explores the implementation of a people-centered metrics approach to improve viral suppression among CALHIV within one year in a nomadic community.

Intervention:

A comprehensive people-centered metrics was designed to address the multifaceted barriers to effective HIV care among CALHIV. The metrics includes a combination of interventions involving healthcare providers, community health workers, families, and the community itself. These interventions focus on interviewing the clients on their perception of the quality of care and in turn give the health workers the feedback which they utilize to make changes in the clinic. The community health workers made weekly contact with the non-suppressed CALHIV to monitor adherence. At the beginning of the intervention, 61 non suppressed CALHIV were enrolled into the metrics and followed up monthly. Some of the key changes included improving ART adherence, enhancing access to healthcare services, reducing stigma, and fostering community support and providing feedback to both healthcare workers and the clients.

Anecca is committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) by supporting integrated services aimed at improving access to diagnosis, treatment, and care, particularly in underserved areas.
Anecca has a track record of success in strengthening health systems across Africa through its innovative programs. We work with national health systems and local partners to provide comprehensive HIV and TB services that reduce the burden of these diseases in key populations, including women, children, and adolescents.

Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a cornerstone of Anecca’s mission. We aim to eliminate vertical transmission of HIV by ensuring that pregnant women living with HIV receive timely access to ART, reducing the risk of transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. We also prioritize adolescent HIV services, recognizing the unique challenges faced by this population. Anecca’s youth-friendly services provide a comprehensive care package that includes HIV testing, treatment, sexual and reproductive health education, and mental health support.