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P209 Productive impact of assisted referrals and incentivized enrollment on the uptake of HIV services in lagos state, nigeria
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  1. Felix Iwuala
  1. Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Program, Lagos., Nigeria

Abstract

Background Nigeria has the second highest global prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with over two million children (0–17 years) made vulnerable by HIV, having lost either or both parents to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) is implementing a five year Local Partners for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Project in Nigeria, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and vulnerable households, in Lagos State. Poverty remains a major driver of HIV in Nigeria.

Methods Strategies include HIV Risk Assessments, Assisted Referrals and incentivized enrollment. The Community Volunteers (CVs) accompany those referred for HIV Testing Services (HTS) to health facilities, results are collected and HIV positives are counselled and linked to treatment same day. Incentivized enrollment on treatment is for indigent enrollees, to promote retention. The sum of $25 is provided in three equal instalments as coupons, redeemed on producing evidence of enrollment on treatment, and two subsequent drug refills.

Results All the 43,495 enrollees (males: 16,908, females: 26,587) know their HIV status. The data subsets include 31,396 OVC (males: 15,482, females: 15,914) and 12,099 Caregivers (males: 1,426, females: 10,673). Increased yield of persons living with HIV was recorded. A total of 3,418 enrollees (males: 865, females: 2553) tested HIV positive and have been linked to treatment. The subsets of HIV positive enrollees include 753 OVC (males: 378, females: 375) and 2665 Caregivers (males: 487, females:2,178).

Conclusion Implementation of ‘Assisted Referrals’ and ‘Incentivized Enrollment’ on treatment, will increase access to HTS, linkage and retention on treatment and adherence for viral suppression, thereby contributing to UNAIDS 95–95–95 Goal. Absolute achievement was recorded on this project, with all the 43,495 enrollees knowing their HIV status and 3,418 that tested positive placed on treatment.

Disclosure No significant relationships.

  • HIV
  • diagnosis
  • Nigeria

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