Helping Expand ART Project

The result has been the upgrading of the old Paediatric and Labour wards into a HEART unit. Additional staff were employed to ease the workload, while much needed medical equipment was purchased. A five-roomed-park home was also purchased for Bhekuzulu clinic, and the old mortuary at the Hlobane clinic is being renovated.

Innovation
HEART is testament to what strong government-initiated public-private partnerships can achieve.

Effectiveness
Patients on ARVs have increased from 634 in 2005/06 to 1800. On average 1635 patients visit the project on a monthly basis. 5149 patients have been enrolled, while 1838 patients are on ARTs. The HIV testing rate is 95% and the default rate is 3%. 4217 people had their CDC tested in 2006/07.

Poverty Impact
In addition to the above, the Osizweni Support Group was set up to provide additional assistance such as starting a vegetable gardening project. The vegetables produced are used for their own nutritional needs and the surplus is sold to the staff of the clinic. The organisation has 4 lay counsellors, 3 orderly posts, and 1 cleaner.

Sustainability
Project funding is received from EGPAF, who in turn receives funds from US PEPFAR. The total project cost is R3 820 000 and all financial decisions rest with EGPAF. Project funding has been secured for the next three years and once this comes to an end the project will be funded from the hospital budget. Challenges to the project’s sustainability over the next three years include the growing burden of HIV/AIDS and TB, limited budget allocation for HIV/AIDS, staff mobility, and increased patient defaulter rates.

Replication
This model is replicable given the burgeoning spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. What needs to be addressed though are staff shortages prevalent at all health institutions and inadequate health budgets.

Partnerships
•    National Department of Health
•    Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation