SURGING THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO RETAIN PATIENTS ON ART:

Nigeria’s first COVID 19 case was identified late February 2020 in Lagos State and the number increased to 3,093 by May 22, 2020. Lockdown imposed resulted in business closures and movement restrictions. This negatively impacted on People Living with HIV as they were faced with multiple resultant challenges including limited access to care and an immunosuppressed state which may result in a higher susceptibility to the COVID-19 virus. Health facilities service disruption, fear of contracting the virus, harassment of patients/health providers by duty security operatives during lockdown, scarce transportation and funds paucity became critical challenges that affected program implementation.

To ensure continuous service delivery despite restrictions, CIHP implemented novel drug-pickup modalities inclusive of

Feedback received shows that 95% of patients were satisfied with the drug delivery model of using a Private Logistics Company. For all models, 100% confidentiality was maintained.

Lessons learnt from programming amidst COVID-19 in Fiscal Year (FY) 20 helped CIHP implement evidence-based strategies and interventions for FY21, which was to focus on supporting clients by facilitating continuous ART through community models and partnerships.

The Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP) is a multi-funded indigenous not-for-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2010 to promote better health outcomes for all Nigerians through sustainable partnerships and locally adapted, rigorously tested approaches by applying our collective learnings and experiences. .

CIHP - Centre for Integrated Health Programs: is a leading indigenous not-for-profit non-governmental organization, promoting better health outcomes for all Nigerians through the creation of sustainable systems and partnerships by applying our collective learnings and experiences.

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