Sorry for the delay in posting, but the internet has been really slow or nonexistent lately. Now I will tell you about my visit to Iwo, Osun State.
The purpose of the visit mainly to show an example of a successful state hospital the Foundation supports to members of our Global Team and to some funders. This site is not only exceptational in identifying new pediatric HIV patients, but also in keeping them on treatment.
One of the methods the Doctor uses is called Expert Patients. They are HIV patients themselves and actually go to people's houses to speak with them if they miss any appointments. The Doctor could do this herself, but this is often less effective and can cause stigma. Here is a picture of me with one of them while she is giving medication to her child:
Another part of the program is give small grants for projects than can assist with care and treatment or retention. This site won a grate and used it for 2 projects. The first is to buy five of these pepper grinding machines. The 5 women chosen to receive these machines are widows and are the most in need. They will use the money to eat healther with will make treatment more successful. Behind me you can see the playground that was public. This was to make the hospital more child friendly.
Wait, what is Fountion mean?
Hmmm. The Doctor at the site told me the playground was for the children, not himself!
By all accounts the site is a success. There are about 400 children on treatment and 97% have remained on treatment. The job now is to ensure a successful transition of support from the Clinton Foundation to the State Government. Also, to try to take success they have had there and duplicate it at other State Hospitals.
Currently I am making a workplan for 2009, but also for the last months this year. There will likely be many more visits to write about soon. Hope you liked the pictures.
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