Climate-forward approach to support ART adherence

© Frontline AIDS/Karel Prinsloo/2022

Key information

  • Organisation: Alive Medical Services
  • Country: Uganda
  • Region: Eastern and Southern Africa
  • Stage of innovation: Stage 3: Pilot
  • Start date: July 2021
  • End date: June 2023
  • Type of innovation: Services delivery innovation: new or different way of providing a service
  • Budget: $500.000
  • Funders: DAK Foundation

Summary of intervention

In July 2022, heavy rains fell on much of Uganda after a prolonged drought, causing flooding, the destruction of crops and infrastructure, and landslides. Many people were forced to migrate from Uganda’s driest and poorest regions to the cities in search of food and shelter. This is particularly challenging for people living with HIV, taking them away from the facilities where they usually receive medication and adherence support.

Alive Medical Services (AMS) targeted 2,500 people living with HIV. Clients who were struggling economically as a result of displacement due to climate change and COVID-19 were given cash transfers of $30 per month for 8 months to support them with critical basic needs. Some used the funds to expand small businesses. AMS also provided insecticide-treated nets, mental health counselling and adherence support.

Although no baseline data was available for comparison, AMS used its Client Household Vulnerability Assessment Tool to assess and prioritise households based on their vulnerability. Financial support, offered in addition to standard of care, has resulted in more people enrolling in treatment as their food and immediate expenses were taken care of. Even during such crises, missed appointments were reduced by 50%, with a positive impact on adherence and viral suppression which leads to a reduction in HIV transmission. 2000 people living with HIV were supported to adhere to antiretroviral therapy, improving their quality of life.

learnings

Limited resources were the main challenge, as the numbers of vulnerable people living with HIV were high.

next steps

While there are currently no resources to extend these services, plans are in place to continue support as funding becomes available. AMS is following up to make sure those in the project are retained in care.

sustainability

When people who are displaced are supported with basic needs and have some economic activity, they will make better choices that lead to reduced HIV transmission. They will adhere to treatment and stay healthy, with a positive impact on HIV prevention.

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