Helpers Social Development Foundation, a sub-recipient of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant in Enugu State help to Eradicating the spread of Tuberculosis, HIV AIDS, Syphilis Global Fund Grant GC7 Project in, Enugu south, Enugu north and Oji-River local government area of Enugu State. This combined effort to eradicate the spread of tuberculosis (TB), Syphilis and HIV Aids is pivotal for the transformation of TB and HIV programs. Under the guidance of the National AIDS and STDs Control Program (NASCP), the National TB and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), this project aims to increase the identification of all forms of TB in both the private sector and the community. It also ensures prompt access to high-quality, patient-centered prevention and treatment through public-private sector partnership to address tuberculosis, active TB case-finding efforts and Community TB testing.
To meet these requirements, IHVN has strategically engaged Sub-Recipients (SRs) across the south eastern Nigeria to meet and potentially exceed the set targets by the end of the grant cycle, which runs from January 2024 to December 2026. And Caritas Foundation Nigeria one of the recipients of the Global fund grant cycle 7 (GC7) partnering with Helpers Social Development Foundation and other nonprofit organizations in Enugu State to implement the project in Enugu State.
Key Objectives of the Project are:
- To prevent new TB, syphilis and HIV infections, ensure early diagnosis, and provide comprehensive care for affected individuals.
- TB case finding.
- Increase the coverage for TB services in the community and private sector as well as their contribution to National TB notification.
- Enhance nationwide TB and HIV prevention, care, and treatment.
- Expand HIV testing for all pregnant women in the community toward preventing/eliminating Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV.
- Strengthen laboratories, supply chain management, monitoring and evaluation and stakeholder accountability.
Commencement of the GC7 TB Program
Caritas Foundation Nigeria being of the eight Sub-Recipient had to reach out to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in order for the objectives of the GC7 TB project to be actualized. Helpers Social Development Foundation (HSDF) is one of the nine CBOs in Enugu state who are sub- grantees of the GC7 TB project.
Activity Report
Helpers Social Development Foundation being one of the sub- grantees of the GC7 TB project, started working by recruiting and training of Community TB workers (CTWs) in the Local Government allocated to us, that is, Enugu North, Enugu South and Oji River. So far, so good, we have been able to reach over 4715 people, sensitized, screened and conducted tests on those with symptoms of TB from various communities. And we have discovered positive TB cases and HIV Aids which are currently receiving free medication in different government health facilities in Enugu state. Sexual transmission is the most common mode by which the HIV virus spreads in this region. The impact of HIV and AIDS has been felt in virtually all aspects of life, including the individual, the family, and the community.
HIV is transmitted by:
- Sexual contact: Unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
- Direct contact with HIV-infected body fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions
- Mothers infected with HIV to infants during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding
- Vertical transmission encompasses MTCT before delivery (antepartum), during labour and delivery (intrapartum), or through breastfeeding.
Comprehensive Approach to the Prevention of HIV in Infants and Young Children
Enhance safer and responsible sexual behaviour and practices using the ABC approach;
A = Abstinence – refraining from having sexual intercourse
B = Be faithful – being faithful to one faithful partner
C = Condom use – using condoms correctly and consistently.
- Provision of early diagnosis and treatment of STIs
- Making HIV testing and counselling widely available
- Provision of suitable counselling for women who are HIV-negative
Further training
- Access to HTS and availability of good quality, user-friendly, and easily accessible family planning services for HIV-positive women to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- Provision of Safe, consistent, effective contraception (male/female) use combined with a more effective method of contraception (dual method) for dual protection from HIV and other STIs and from unplanned pregnancies.
- Integrate dual protection messages and methods into family planning counselling services
- Offering contraception including emergency contraception to all HIV-positive mothers in the immediate postpartum period to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Prevention of HIV transmission from HIV-positive mothers to their infants
- HIV testing and counselling at ANC
- Anti-retroviral therapy
- Safer delivery practices
- Safer infant-feeding practices
- Administration of single or dual ARV prophylaxis to all infants delivered to HIV-positive women.
The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) organized workshop for sub-recipients of the global fund grant in South Eastern Nigeria with caption: The Training of Trainers on HTS for presumed pregnant women in unconventional sites. Date: 17th & 18th July 2024 (Arrival 16th & Departure 19th)
Training Venue: Adig Suites No 2 Nwafor Orizu St, Asata, Enugu, Enugu
This GC7 project represents a pivotal effort toward eradicating the spread of these infectious diseases, improving health outcomes, and strengthening community health systems. Helpers Social Development Foundation being one of the implementing partners a sub-recipient of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant in Enugu State will help to Eradicating the spread of Tuberculosis, HIV AIDS, Syphilis in the target local government council area.