By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
TASO Mbarara, a center for HIV prevention, has continued its efforts towards combating the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Tusiimire Wilbert, the center program manager, shared during this year’s Annual General Meeting that they have registered a total of 257 new clients, comprised of 126 males and 131 females, including children and adolescents. Such an accomplishment would help in contributing to the overall 8.2% figure.
Moreover, since its inception in 1989, the center has recorded a total of 19738 clients, 7858 males (37%) and 11,879 females (65%), who greatly benefit from the center’s services. Tusiimire furthered that, through the differentiated service Delivery model, the center has achieved a 99% suppressed viral load with 92% viral load coverage. Such a remarkable improvement is thanks to their continuous emphasis on Mult-Month drug refills provided at both facility and community levels. Tusiimire added that they’ve also introduced the Community Retail Pharmacy Drug Distribution Point (CRPDDP) model, which has helped in improving service delivery for clients who can pick up their drugs from pharmacies at their own convenience.
Other models implemented by the center include Pre-exposure prophylaxis services (Prep), Self-testing services, Recency testing, TB services, Young people and adolescents peer supporter activities (YAPs), Safe male circumcision, and e-MTCT services.
Tusiimire also appreciated the center’s implementing partners, such as the Ministry of Health Uganda, Uganda Protestants Medical Bureau, Local Government Financial Institutions, MUST, and requested their continued support to enable them to achieve their target of 95,95,95 for HIV management.
Meanwhile, the Center also has some challenges, such as funding reduction, clients lost to follow-up after moving away without notifying the center, and clients not adhering to their treatment.
To support its activities, TASO Mbarara invites the public to join them on the 12th of November for the TASO run aimed at raising funds.
