On November 7, 2024, Lighthouse Trust hosted a delegation from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health, led by the Directorate of HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis, for an insightful knowledge exchange visit. This Country-to-Country Learning Exchange, under the CQUIN learning network, served as a valuable platform for sharing best practices and strengthening collaboration in implementing Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) models for HIV programs.
The goal of this visit was to foster collaboration and facilitate the exchange of innovative approaches and solutions that support recipient of care (RoC) re-engagement in HIV care, particularly for those at risk of falling out of care or interrupting treatment. By examining strategies for re-engagement across the full care continuum, the Lighthouse shared its expertise on resources, implementation steps, and overcoming common challenges.
A key highlight of the visit was the “Welcome Back Package,” a patient-centred, four-step approach aimed at reintroducing individuals to care. This model involves addressing RoC fears of returning, understanding reasons for disengagement, connecting RoC to tailored services, and celebrating their commitment to staying in care.
The Directorate of HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis expressed its gratitude to Lighthouse for its impactful contributions to Malawi’s national HIV program. The Zimbabwean delegation also commended several innovative practices at Lighthouse, including the national third-line ART assessment process, the patient-centred “welcome back” culture and buddy system, male engagement strategies, and the use of case managers for high viral load patients, as well as dedicated high viral load clinics.
Representatives from the International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) also voiced their hopes that Lighthouse will continue to receive visitors from other countries, fostering collaboration to improve re-engagement rates across the region.
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