HIV Service Delivery: HFDI Conducts Advocacy To Strengthen Referral Systems In Akwa-Ibom

By Titilola Olaniyan,

Hope for Family Development Initiative HFDI conducted advocacy visits to strengthen referral systems, track progress, and identify challenges in HIV service delivery, with a focus on promoting access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services for young people in Akwa Ibom.

The HFDI Akwa Ibom team conducted the advocacy visits to Ndon Utim Primary Health Center, Leprosy Hospital Ekpene Obom, and Primary Health Center Ikot Obio Inyang to enhance referral mechanisms between the health facilities and community-based organizations, and to ensure seamless access to HIV services.

The Ndon Utim PHC staff shared challenges hindering effective HIV service delivery, including poor HTS access rates, ignorance, and fear of stigma.

Leprosy Hospital Ekpene Obom emphasized that transportation for clients to access treatment is a significant challenge.

While Primary Health Center Ikot Obio Inyang made emphasis on Insufficient test kits and consumables, with existing supplies prioritized for pregnant women.

The program manager Grace Emmanuel sharing insights on the advocacy, said the objective is focused on expanding HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services for adolescents and young people, and emphasis was made on how the organization has been leveraging virtual spaces to enhance referral systems between facilities and the general public.

On way forward the facilities solicited for more test kits and suggested engaging relevant stakeholders e.g traditional/youth leaders through town hall meetings and gathering to create awareness and address identified challenges and improve HIV service delivery.

The advocacy achieved enhanced understanding of the importance of strengthening referral systems for HIV services, identification of challenges hindering effective HIV service delivery, and commitment from the health facility to strengthen referral systems and improve HIV service delivery.