Hospital opens HIV clinic for high-risk patients
Tambo Memorial Hospital took a significant step in the fight against HIV/Aids by launching a Virological Failure Specialised Clinic to support HIV-positive patients struggling with unsuppressed viral loads and difficulties in adhering to treatment and appointment schedules.
This targeted intervention is designed to improve patient outcomes and curb the spread of HIV in surrounding communities. Initially focused on children with high viral loads due to inconsistent treatment and social issues, the clinic quickly expanded its services.
'When we started, we primarily worked with children whose viral loads were not decreasing because of irregular treatment and social challenges,' said Serengwane Lethuba, the HIV, Aids, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis (HAST) manager at the hospital.
'Soon, we identified a rising number of adult patients on first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy regimens who were also failing to achieve viral suppression. Many of them were being escalated to third-line treatment, prompting urgent intervention.
'The team did a focused sampling of 89 patients experiencing persistent virological failure to better understand the challenges and adapt their approach.'
Operating every Tuesday, the clinic is run by a clinical team including a doctor, a clinical nurse practitioner and an HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Lethuba said that together, they provide personalised and comprehensive care.
One of the clinic's key findings has been the impact of non-disclosure of HIV status, which often contributes to poor adherence and ongoing virological failure.
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'To address this, we incorporated the social work department into the clinic's multidisciplinary team. Social workers assist in overcoming psychological and social barriers to treatment, helping patients navigate issues around disclosure and providing continuous support.
'This integrated approach has already shown positive outcomes, with many patients achieving viral suppression within three months of targeted intervention.'
He said they also use a proactive system in which nurses review patient data and follow up telephonically to remind and encourage patients to attend appointments.
'Once at the clinic, patients receive co-ordinated care from the full team, which includes medical assessments, counselling and psychosocial support.
'The initiative supports the national Close the Gap campaign launched by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
'The campaign seeks to trace patients who defaulted on treatment, those newly diagnosed but not yet on therapy, and individuals failing to suppress the virus.'
The Tambo Memorial Hospital has localised this campaign to create a dignified, supportive environment for patients to re-engage with their treatment.
HIV-positive individuals in Boksburg, Benoni and nearby areas facing challenges with treatment or viral load suppression are encouraged to visit the Virological Failure Clinic every Tuesday.
'Our specialised clinic is a safe space where patients are empowered and supported to fight HIV effectively,' concluded Lethuba.
The clinic is located inside the Tambo Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 011 898 8331.
ALSO READ: ARVs are assisting millions of HIV patients to live long and healthy lives
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