Prioritizing Privacy and Support: Shifting the Focus of HIV Programs in Botswana

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Good afternoon, Champions.

I have noticed an increasing trend among development partners funding HIV programs to require that patient reach forms include not only ID numbers and age but also, in some cases, signatures. While I understand the need for accurate data collection, this approach raises concerns about client privacy. Collecting such sensitive information crosses a line, as it could compromise data safety and confidentiality, making clients more vulnerable to potential breaches or misuse of their personal information.

Additionally, there is an ongoing push to identify more undiagnosed positives in the community, even though Botswana has already surpassed the 95% target of people living with HIV (PLHIV) being diagnosed. This focus seems increasingly misaligned with our current context, where a shift in priorities would be more effective.

It is time to engage our funders in meaningful conversations about these shifting needs. We should now prioritize investments in programs designed to support PLHIV in staying engaged in care, ensuring they continue to access treatment and maintain their health. Our focus should move towards sustaining the progress we've made by enhancing support services for those already diagnosed, rather than continuing to focus on finding new positives.

PLHIV support programs require significant strengthening, particularly in areas such as treatment adherence, mental health support, and addressing stigma within healthcare systems. This strategic realignment will ensure that our national response remains strong and that PLHIV continues to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Kennedy Mupeli



Welcome to my blog dedicated to community engagement in HIV research. Here, we delve deep into the latest advancements and discussions surrounding HIV cure, treatment, prevention, and management of advanced HIV infection. My goal is to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and community understanding, ensuring that knowledge is accessible and actionable. Join me as I explore these critical topics, engage with community insights, and contribute to the ongoing fight against HIV.

Comments

  1. NyamsSeptember 18, 2024 at 5:16 AM

    So I have noticed that most of the clients don't want to write their details on the forms so which makes it very harder for us to notify or make a follow up on them

    ReplyDelete
  2. NyamsSeptember 18, 2024 at 5:18 AM

    So if we could make the forms more flexible

    ReplyDelete

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