Specialists from the project on Establishing ARVT Adherence are reflecting on their work from the year 2015. The results are impressive.
In 2015, NP E.V.A. together with the Leningrad oblast Center for Prevention of and Fight Against AIDS and Infectious Diseases implemented the project Establishing ARVT Adherence.
Project aim: to support the work of multi-professional teams in infectious disease offices of 5 regions of the Leningrad oblast (Vsevolozhsk, Vyborg, Gatchina, Tosnen, and Lomonosov).
The results from the project’s work in 2015:
Quantitative:
- Specialists in multi-professional teams (MPT) counseled over 2800 clients on various issues.
- 1232 clients took advantage of social support services organized at infectious disease hospitals in the regions and there were 2489 consultations. The following issues were addressed more often in consultations: diagnosis acceptance, the start of ART, safe sexual conduct (especially for discordant couples), and counseling on issues of addiction.
- Rapid HIV testing was organized for the general population at infectious disease offices. A total of 400 people were tested and 45 were found to be HIV infected. All clients who tested positive were linked to care and were provided the necessary medical and social care.
- Additionally as part of the project condoms were distributed; medicine to prevent tuberculosis (isoniazid) was purchased and given to doctors at the AIDS center and infectious disease offices, fungal infections (Fluconazole); and informational material that was published as part of other project was disseminated.
Qualitative (based on ratings from Leningrad oblast AIDS Center specialists):
- An increase in the number of HIV positive citizens who are receiving treatment;
- An increase in the frequency of laboratory testing of immune status and viral load of patients who are in treatment;
- An increase in the number of patients’ visits to multi-professional teams, including patients from at-risk groups;
- A decrease in refusals to take ART;
- A decrease in the load for the Leningrad oblast AIDS Center;
- Heightened independence of multi-professional teams in the regional infectious disease offices and their gradual evolution into mini-AIDS centers;
- A significant amount of resources saved for citizens living in the regions of Leningrad oblast (they can receive many services and counseling locally without the need to make trips to the Leningrad oblast AIDS Center;
- An increase in the quality of life of PLWH.