Provide HIV Treatment, care, prevention in Uganda

Hi GlobalGiving, 

We are thrilled to share some of the achievements from the GlobalGiving funding both the emergency funding and the normal monthly funding. 

Introduction

This report summarizes the adherence support visits conducted with funding from GlobalGiving, focusing on the unique challenges faced by non-suppressing Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and outlining practical solutions to improve medication adherence and viral load suppression.

Objectives

The primary goal of these adherence support visits was to provide counseling and guidance to non-suppressing OVC, enabling the identification of issues affecting their adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to strategize effective solutions.

Overview of Activities

During the adherence support visits, 30 non-suppressing OVC were monitored and counseled. The visits involved discussions with both the children and their caregivers, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to adherence.

 Identified Challenges

Several challenges impacting the adherence levels of these children were noted:

1. Poor Time Management: Many children struggled with keeping track of their medication schedules, leading to missed doses.

2. Stigma: Some adolescents expressed fear of disclosing their HIV status, resulting in isolation and decreased motivation to adhere to their treatment.

3. Relocation of Households: Many OVC households had relocated to distant areas, making it difficult for them to access health facilities and attend medical appointments.

4. Caregiver Engagement: A lack of follow-up from caregivers on the children’s medication routines often led to lapses in adherence.

Proposed Solutions

To address the challenges identified, various strategies were proposed during the visits:

1. Time Management Tools: Caregivers were encouraged to purchase affordable watches for their children to improve their ability to manage time effectively and adhere to medication schedules.

2. Support Groups: We suggested that adolescents join support clubs where they can share experiences and receive encouragement, reducing the stigma associated with HIV.

3. Communication about Relocation: Caregivers were urged to inform health workers if they relocated, ensuring continued support and access to healthcare services.

4. Family Engagement in Medication: We discussed the importance of caregivers supervising their children during medication intake to increase adherence levels.

5. Holistic Care: Emphasized the necessity for caregivers to actively engage in their children's overall health to foster a supportive environment conducive to adherence.

Conclusion

The adherence support visits funded by GlobalGiving have highlighted critical challenges faced by non-suppressing OVC in achieving viral load suppression. Through targeted counseling and active engagement strategies, we aim to address these issues comprehensively. Collaborative efforts involving caregivers, health workers, and community support systems are essential to enhance the health and well-being of these vulnerable children. Continued funding and support from GlobalGiving will be crucial to sustaining these initiatives and ensuring better health outcomes for OVC in our community.

Thank you for your support in this essential work.