Overcoming obstacles to implementation: lessons from Uganda
26 June 2008
The International HIV/AIDS Alliance presented evidence at the 2008 HIV/AIDS Implementers’ meeting in Kampala showing how people living with HIV in Uganda are working as Network Support Agents and increasing the use of HIV services in the country.
Delegates from around the world gathered at the implementers’ meeting to discuss the lessons and innovations of scaling up HIV programmes. The meeting emphasised the importance of working in partnership to tackle the HIV epidemic and the need to involve communities in prevention and treatment.
Emily Katamujuna from Alliance Uganda presented information at an Alliance event on ‘The Network model: to expand the role of people living with HIV and AIDS to increase access to care, treatment and support’. Participants at the event heard how Network Support Agents are based in health facilities to improve the links between health services and local communities.
Around 80% of Uganda’s population live in rural areas with limited health facilities. Stigma, a lack of knowledge, and long distances prevent many people from accessing HIV prevention, care, treatment and support services.
“Putting people most affected by HIV at the forefront of the response has reduced stigma and discrimination and enabled more people to access HIV prevention, care, treatment and support services,” said Emily Katamujuna, HIV training and technical specialist from Alliance Uganda.
The project is funded by USAID and has trained 453 Network Support Agents working in 224 health facilities in 17 districts. It has reached over 300,000 people with information and services.
Monica Magada is one of the Network Support Agents. After attending Alliance training she went to her local church to tell the community about living with HIV, the facts and what services are available. Community members are now visiting Monica at the clinic to ask for HIV counselling and testing.
One client, Richard, came for HIV counselling and testing. After he received positive results he promised to return to the clinic with his wife but didn’t come back. A few weeks later Monica visited Richard in his village to ensure he was getting appropriate care.
He was very ill, suffering from fever, loss of appetite and vomiting. Monica advised him to return to the clinic. The next day he went and was prescribed antiretroviral treatment. Monica provided information and support to help him continue taking the medication at the right times and with food. Richard is now strong and back digging his fields, cooking and collecting water.
