The Addis Clinic Organization has expressed interest in collaborating with the County Government of Busia in supporting primary healthcare workers to improve patient adherence and reduction of HIV related mortality.
The organization’s coordinator HIV outreach and messaging program in Busia County Edwin Wara said that they target to increase linkage of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) to treatment, care and support services through structural peer support approaches.
“We want to help bridge the gaps at the community level considering that some clients are still missing clinic appointments while others are in need of psycho social counseling,” he said.
Speaking at the Busia County Referral Hospital (BCRH) during an entry meeting attended by the County Health Management Team (CHMT), Wara added that they will create safe and reliable communication between PLHIV and the healthcare provider.
He continued: “It is going to be done in the entire county since it will involve messaging and social media activities. We will have vernacular radio stations to elaborate more on HIV Aids and the importance of adherence.”
The County Health Administrative Officer Ali Atemba appreciated the organization for its interest in supporting the County Government of Busia on HIV.
He stressed the need to bring together partners dealing with HIV/Aids in the County to utilize the scarce resources effectively and efficiently towards meeting the needs of the patients.
Present were Busia County AIDS and STI coordinator Constance Were, Health Promotion Officer Nelson Andanje, County Pharmacist, Dr Abiud Machuki, Busia Emergency Operations Centre Manager Jude Oduor, Nutrition Coordinator Scholastic Nabade and Health Records and the Information Officer James Kuya among others.
The organization is also interested in collaborating with other Counties including Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori and Kisii.