BE POSITIVE / SER O POSITIVO

PHARMACY STAFF

Ser O Positivo

Here in Mozambique HIV/AIDS has been an epidemic since the 1980’s; today it affects 11.5% of the population and is #5 in the world’s country comparison dealing with this disease. In my province the rates are higher because of the proximity to South Africa. In Magude,there are a substantial number of male migrant workers and estimates are higher - approx. 14%. 

Since the late 1990 treatments have been found to manage the disease through a daily medicine called anti-retroviral drugs (ARV).  These drugs are used to treat HIV by restoring the immune system and delay the progression to AIDS. ARV became available here through donations since 2007.

WAITING FOR PRESCRIPTIONS

People here walk or travel miles to refill their medicine every month, imagine the size of Connecticut and spread three hospitals around the state – that sums up the distance between the person and the hospitals that have the ARV medicines. 

NEVER ENDING PAPERWORK

A new project was introduced to alleviate this issue and reduce the abandonment of treatment. It’s called GAAC (Support Group Community Adherence), people who are live close team up and take turns coming to pick up the whole groups prescriptions. It is community at its finest.

Even with resources available HIV patients still have barriers. At the pharmacy, there is a box of files of people who have abandoned treatment and are sought after by buscas (go-get) to educate and support them to stay on treatment. 90% of time they can’t be found, have passed away, or feel ill on the ARV and choose to stay off.  I have yet gone on the searches, but I’m planning to build a team of strong leaders who will act as life recruiters and build a support network to help those who have abandoned hope.

The percentage of woman carriers are higher then men, due to non-traditional customs (many wives), yet the percentage of babies born with HIV have declined drastically because of pre-natal testing and treatment of the mothers.
It is the biggest health issue here in Mozambique, yet it still carries the stigmas. When I was doing the Community Needs Assessment, one question asked was, “What is the community’s attitude on HIV?” Results:

Accepted             48%

Shame                  16%

Judgmental        19%

Ignorance            11%

Discrimination   6%

Watch this clip “Ser O Positivo”, and be positive with me on the elimination of this disease. (Go to Utube).