Conference abstract
Contribution of livelihood economic volunteers to HIV load suppression
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:21(10).29
Apr 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.21.10.2340
Archived on: 29 Apr 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: HIV load suppression, livelihood economic volunteers
Oral presentation
Contribution of livelihood economic volunteers to HIV load suppression
Michael Machera1,&, Aika Mallya1, Godson Maro1, Vailet Mollel1, Mussa Ndile1, Aminiel Mongi1, Paschal Wilbroad2
1ELCT HQ-USAID Kizazi Hodari Project, Tanzania, 2USAID Tanzania Health Office, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: the overall Tanzania viral load suppression rate is 78.1%, with a high rate for women (15 - 24 years) at 87.3% and a low rate for men (25 – 34 years) at 57.0% (THIS 2023). Several factors are attributed to this, but the main one is food insecurity. A recent study found that as household hunger increased, the rate of ART adherence declined. The situation is worse for out-of-school CLHIV (aged 15 - 17) as they cannot be employed or initiate their business.
Methods: through the Hazina Yetu Model, the ELCT-USAID Kizazi Hodari Project uses community volunteers to mobilize out-of-school youth (15 - 17 years) to form groups. These groups are given different training types and followed up until they establish businesses. Using an in-depth interview and direct observation, the ELCT team conducted a study on one of its youth groups, “Rich Before Forty,” which has 30 members and 2 CLHIV.
Results: when joining the group, the 2 CLHIV had poor ART adherence, which was caused by unassured meals, hence the high viral load. After joining the group and being trained by the LEV, the group opened a business. Currently, the group runs a business that helps the two CLHIVs earn income to support their meals. Now, they have good ART adherence and have suppressed their viral loads to the Target Not Detected (TND) level.
Conclusion: viral load suppression requires multiple levels of interventions. To attain 95% viral load suppression by 2030, the government should invest more in community volunteers to provide relevant services to the needy.
Contribution of livelihood economic volunteers to HIV load suppression
Michael Machera1,&, Aika Mallya1, Godson Maro1, Vailet Mollel1, Mussa Ndile1, Aminiel Mongi1, Paschal Wilbroad2
1ELCT HQ-USAID Kizazi Hodari Project, Tanzania, 2USAID Tanzania Health Office, Tanzania
&Corresponding author
Introduction: the overall Tanzania viral load suppression rate is 78.1%, with a high rate for women (15 - 24 years) at 87.3% and a low rate for men (25 – 34 years) at 57.0% (THIS 2023). Several factors are attributed to this, but the main one is food insecurity. A recent study found that as household hunger increased, the rate of ART adherence declined. The situation is worse for out-of-school CLHIV (aged 15 - 17) as they cannot be employed or initiate their business.
Methods: through the Hazina Yetu Model, the ELCT-USAID Kizazi Hodari Project uses community volunteers to mobilize out-of-school youth (15 - 17 years) to form groups. These groups are given different training types and followed up until they establish businesses. Using an in-depth interview and direct observation, the ELCT team conducted a study on one of its youth groups, “Rich Before Forty,” which has 30 members and 2 CLHIV.
Results: when joining the group, the 2 CLHIV had poor ART adherence, which was caused by unassured meals, hence the high viral load. After joining the group and being trained by the LEV, the group opened a business. Currently, the group runs a business that helps the two CLHIVs earn income to support their meals. Now, they have good ART adherence and have suppressed their viral loads to the Target Not Detected (TND) level.
Conclusion: viral load suppression requires multiple levels of interventions. To attain 95% viral load suppression by 2030, the government should invest more in community volunteers to provide relevant services to the needy.
