ONKANI - US Ambassador to Namibia Lisa Johnson yesterday encouraged Namibians to join community adherence groups – a network of people living with HIV.
The adherence groups initiative being implemented by Tonata, which is a network of people living with HIV, is a community-based model whereby infected communities collectively collect their anti-retroviral treatment at health facilities.
Johnson applauded Tonata for the implementation of 322 adherence groups in eight district hospitals.
“These patients are now able to get their HIV medication in their villages, saving them precious time and money. Through these groups the work of staying healthy and on treatment becomes a shared responsibility,” said Johnson.
Johnson made the remarks when she visited the Yambidhidha Community Adherence Group at Onkani in Otamanzi Constituency of Omusati Region.
At Onkani, treatment is collected by at least one group leader and is distributed under a tree at a centre in the village.
In addition to collecting and distributing medicine, they also record the patient’s viral load and date taken and also register health issues/complaints that members are experiencing.
To date, since the adherence groups were established in 2018, more than 3 200 people are benefiting from the programme.
In Omusati, there are about 26 000 HIV-positive people of whom 202 are receiving medication from Onkani clinic, where Yambidhidha is also receiving treatment.
In total, Omusati Region has established 58 support groups with 470 active members.
Prior to the establishment of the adherence groups many people faced difficulties in obtaining their medication and staying on treatment because some had no means to get to health facilities.
Today, the group members make a N$5 contribution for transport for the person collecting the treatment.
Johnson said that patients who use community-based programmes like the adherence groups stay on treatment and stay virally suppressed.
The programme is made possible through funding from Pepfar through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).