Post: Nakuru moves to strengthen HIV/AIDS care

Nakuru County is set to become a model centre of excellence for managing Advanced HIV Diseases in the Rift Valley region through the integration of the services into the general healthcare.This was revealed on Tuesday when the County Executive Committee Member for Health Ms. Roselyn Mungai hosted a delegation from National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP) who are in the county for technical assistance and support.The team began their visit at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital, where they reviewed data and engaged with patients to assess the quality of services and would be visiting other Sub County Hospitals within the week.Ms. Mungai highlighted that the county has strengthened the integration of HIV services into general healthcare allowing patients to receive comprehensive care in one location, reducing stigma and improving access.She said by integrating HIV services into general healthcare, patients could access HIV tasting, counselling, and treatment alongside other healthcare services, which reduces the need for multiple visits to different facilities, making it easier for patients to receive comprehensive care.Ms. Mungai said when HIV services are part of general healthcare, it helps reduce the stigma often associated with visiting specialized HIV clinics. Also, patients could receive care without being singled out, which encourages more people to seek testing and treatment.Additionally, she noted that patients benefit from a more holistic approach and integrated services meaning that other health issues, such as TB, diabetes or reproductive health could be addressed simultaneously with HIV care, leading to better outcomes.'With easier access to services and reduced stigma, more patients are likely to adhere to their treatment plans. This improves their health outcomes, reduces the risk of HIV transmission, and contributes to the overall goal of controlling the HIV epidemic in the region,' she said.She observed that to enhance the Primary Care model, Sub County Hospitals now act as central hubs for early diagnosis and treatment of HIV-related infections, while smaller clinics helped in identifying and referring more cases for proper care.The team from NASCOP commended the county for integrating HIV services into general healthcare, which not only supports individual patients but also strengthens the public health system's response to HIV countrywide.Source: Kenya News Agency