Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
AN Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) outreach programme has brought much-needed relief to villagers in Insiza’s Ward 22, who previously walked over 20 kilometres to access life-saving medication from the nearest health facility.
The initiative, known as the Community ART Refill Group (Carg) model, is being implemented by the National Aids Council (NAC) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development (Ophid) and the Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+).
Some people with HIV in the area had been defaulting on treatment, due to the long distances they used to walk to clinics. Now, through the Carg model, health workers deliver services directly to communities, providing drug refills, HIV testing, viral load monitoring and health education on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Each Carg consists of a group of people with HIV, with one leader responsible for collecting medication from health facilities and distributing it within the community. The groups also hold regular peer support meetings.
Another component of the programme, the Out of Facility Community ART Distribution (Ofcad), caters for individuals who were tested for HIV and initiated on ART through these community outreach efforts.
Speaking during a media tour organised by NAC, Ms Rebecca Ndlovu, a beneficiary from Village 2 said the initiative had changed her life.
“We had to walk about 20 kilometres to Shangani Rural Health, to access treatment. This was taxing as sometimes I didn’t have the money for bus fare. Being able to access medication within the village is a huge relief for me. It also helps to ensure that I don’t skip my treatment. This outreach programme also brings critical health care services to us,” she said.
Ms Sibongile Ndebele said being part of a group also helps her as it provides a support system. She said it helps to ensure that everyone remembers their dates for collecting medication. Ms Ndebele said they have a WhatsApp group where they constantly communicate as Carg members.
Insiza District Aids Co-ordinator, Mr Mpilo Maboyi said the ART decentralisation programme has helped to change people’s perception about HIV and Aids.
“Under this programme, we have Cargs, which are groups comprising of people who are HIV positive aged 25 and above. Health personnel travel from the health facility and come down to the community to distribute ARVs. Other services, which are offered include viral load checks, HIV testing, sample collection and ART treatment supplies. If someone is tested and is positive, they are incorporated into the Ofcad programme.
“On some occasions, the leaders of the Carg groups collect the ARVs and distribute them to members.
This programme is helping to decongest hospitals and clinics. Some people are also shy to be seen visiting hospitals. We use the platform to educate people on Non-Communicable Diseases and other issues that can help them live better lives,” he said.
The objective of the Carg model of care is to reduce the workload of health workers at hospitals and clinics. The model also reduces access barriers and enhances the role of the ART client in the management of their condition.— @DubeMatutu
