SWAZILAND NATIONAL AIDS PROGRAMMe

Transcription

1 SWAZILAND NATIONAL AIDS PROGRAMMe quarterly newsletter January-March 2018 Volume 2, Issue 5 Wanted: Champions for TB Free Swaziland CONDOM STRATEGY SHIMS 2

2 Swaziland National AIDS Programme INSIDE THIS ISSUE Programme Manager s Foreword World TB Day 2018 at Buhleni 4 Extended National Strategic Framework (ensf) TWG Development of Revised Condom Strategy Regional Health Semi Annual Review (ReHSAR) Swaziland Christian University Health Awareness Day 12 Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey (SHIMS2) Report Writing Workshop 14 Knowledge Nuggets 16 Social corner 17 Upcoming Activities 19 Who We Are The Swaziland National AIDS Program was established in 1987 to respond to the HIV Epidemic. The core mandate of the national AIDS program is to coordinate health sector interventions as they account for more than 70% of the total HIV response. VISION Winning the fight against HIV and AIDS through effort for an AIDS free generation. MISSION To improve the health of the people of Swaziland through an effectively coordinated health sector response to HIV and AIDS. The development of this document was made possible through technical support by the United States President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the terms of Cooperative Agreement number 1U2GGH001399, managed by University Research Co., LLC (URC). The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of CDC or the United States Government. Publication Date: April 2018

3 PROGRAMME MANAGER S FOREWORD SNAP Programme Manager, Mr Muhle Dlamini This newsletter covers a wide range of topics about what has happened, achievements, reports and events to come. SNAP plans to release new integrated management guidelines 2018 as well as latest recommendations on treatment, fast tracking and strategic information. SNAP will also participate in other key events with partners, including the VMMC integration process, the coming NASAR workshop 2-4 May 2018 and other events organized by the Ministry of Health programmes. SNAP will bring together HIV stakeholders in a Health Sector Stakeholder Forum in May SNAP participated in the World TB Day which was held on the 24 March 2018 at Buhleni. The theme of World TB Day Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world. The message focuses on building commitment to end TB. Not only at the political level with Heads of State and Ministers of Health, but at all levels from Mayors, Governors, parliamentarians and community leaders, to people affected with TB, civil society advocates, health workers, doctors or nurses, NGOs and other partners. All can be leaders of efforts to end TB in their own work or terrain. On the other hand, SNAP also participated in the commemoration of the World Health Day. The focus was Universal Health Coverage (UHC): everyone, everywhere. The Kingdom of eswatini embraced the concept of UHC. The theme of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) is UHC, defined as ensuring that all people have access to needed promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health services, of sufficient quality to be effective, while ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship. It is my hope that this newsletter provides the much needed information and impetus to move towards universal access for HIV services and the agenda for ending AIDS by Issues discussed in the newsletter cover also the development of a Condom Strategy and the Swaziland Christian University Awareness Day. Hopefully our newsletter will keep you warm in the cold season ahead. Enjoy reading 3

4 World TB Day 2018 at Buhleni Members of the public who attended the World TB Day at Buhleni T he World TB Day was held at Buhleni on the 24th March 2018 and the theme was Wanted: Champions for TB Free Some of the dignitaries who delivered speeches on the day included the Hhohho Regional Administrator and US Ambassador Lisa Peterson.. Wanted: Champions for TB Free Swaziland Swa- The US Ambassador emphasised the need for ziland. There were numerous speeches delivered by dignitaries on the day. strong partnerships in the fight against TB and the expansion to new drugs to treat drug resistant Matron Thwala who was the MC for the day TB. She further applauded the 15 years of partnership between the President Emergency Plan for highlighted some of the TB challenges in communities and thanked all dignitaries for attending. AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Government of 4

5 US Ambassador Lisa Peterson and Dr Vusi Magagula with a delegation listening to what the SNAP stall has in offer. Swaziland in the fight against TB. Dr Vusi Magagula who was standing in for the Minister of Health Hon. Sibongile Ndlela- Simelane, highlighted the need of TB leaders for a TB free world to be hands on with a strong commitment to end TB at all levels. He also mentioned that formulations for TB are now sweet and tasty and easy to dissolve in water. Dr Magagula further raised a concern on the rise and encouraged strengthened relations between partners in the fight against TB. There was also entertainment during the day from the ACF team which rendered a song and poem about the TB disease. Mayiwane High School also performed a traditional dance and drum majorettes. There was also a performance by Lutsango Lwabomake who left the audience in awe with their traditional dance. of drug resistant TB in the country and that the upcoming National Survey will give estimates. Lastly the representative of the chiefs thanked 5

6 Extended National Strategic Framework (ensf) TWG Country Director (UNAIDS) Dr Tim Rwabuhemba- making his speech on behalf of steering committee. T he Extended National Multi-sectoral HIV and AIDS Framework (ensf) Technical Wowking Group (TWG) gathered at the Pigg s Peak Hotel between 5-8 February This was geared towards developing the next five-year multi-sectoral strategy for that will be premised on the National Goal to End AIDS by SNAP members and stakeholder consultants were part of the ensf team. Dr Tim Rwabuhemba expressed deep appreciation for the whole process from last year. The dedication and commitment was exemplary. The World Bank also contributed, PLHIV, disability, private sector and technicians. We are Looking forward to NSF with new information, what is being SNAP Programme Manager Muhle Dlamini making his remarks. brought i.e. Get AIDS out of isolation and also integration of interventions. He also elaborated on ending AIDS by 2022 in Swaziland and 2030 in the world. Re-invigorated, strong, vibrant coordination structure on the ground not in spirit, and the necessity of smart leadership. The director further gave a clear classification of roles and activities for National Operation Plan (NOP). The Multisector must work to pull everyone together. Renewed and smarter partnerships encouraged for the next 5 years with accountability and transparency. The Programme Director thanked everyone for participating, consultants and organisers of the 6

7 Dr Nomthandazo ART stressing her point. Nkanyiso making a presentation on PrEP and Key Populations. Dr Nicholas- on TB care and treatment to capacitate HCW. Lenhle HTS making a submission on HTS. ensf.. He highlighted that the Ministry of Health is committed in ensuring that the Strategic Plan 3 be incorporated to ensf. The Swaziland National AIDS Programme Manager, Muhle Dlamini also stated that the need to develop a response plan as stakeholders, an annual plan to include other diseases such as NCD s. Integration, integration, integration!!! Kingdoms and clusters must be done away with and work as a team. stated Dlamini. The objectives of the workshop were: To define consensus on the NSF 2018 to 2022 impact indicators and targets To develop a comprehensive design of NSF by building on the initial work of TWGs and input from stakeholders and optimization modeling exercise. This involved; refining the outcomes and outputs for each prioritized co-program setting targets for outcome levels. TWGs will ensure targets reflect the vision of fast-tracking the HIV response to END AIDS by reviewing and prioritizing strategic interventions relevant to each output, based on relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness among other criteria. TWGs undertook a critical review of strategic interventions to ensure they could optimize resource utilization while maximizing impact; they integrate innovation and best practices and can change or sustain the course of the HIV epidemic. ensure cross-cutting issues such as public, private and community health systems, gender, human rights, supportive environment are taken into consideration. Identify key lead organizations and implementers for the various core programmes Start prioritization of the key strategic intervention to implement din years 1 and 2 ensuring immediate operationalization of the NSF. 7

8 Development of Revised Condom Strategy Hhohho Regional AIDS Coordinator Nonhlanhla making a presentation during the meeting T he Condom Strategy conference took place at Nkonyeni Golf Estate on the 27th February Much was discussed regarding the promotion of condoms and also its distribution strategies within the entire country. The main objectives of the entire conference were: as well as condom information to the people of Swaziland. Identify strategies for improved condom programming and coordination using the 4 condom programmatic areas: Leadership, Coordination and Partnerships: Supply and Commodity Security Access, Demand and Utilisation: To promote the use of condoms to all sexually and Condom Programming and Support Systems active individuals for the reduction of STI s including HIV and unwanted/unplanned pregnancy. Strengthen Condom forecasting, procurement, logistics and management Ensure condom availability and accessibility Review and for dissemination the final Condom Strategy 8

9 Stakeholders engaged in discussions during the meeting Review the draft NSF Condom Pillar Consolidation of all the different plans from Prepare for the National FP Advocacy and Symposium Meeting the partners and aligning them with the SRH/ MNCH Master Plan for Meeting outputs/ Key deliverables: During the meetings TWG members were involved in various activities which consisted of; National Condom Programme Report 2017 Reporting on all 2017 planned activities, in- National Condom Programme 2018 Plan cluding achievements and challenges Presentations on Total Condom Report for the year 2017, to be presented to the Senior Consensus on Distribution Mechanisms for Staff of MoH UNFPA including JUTA Partner Presentation on the Annual Work Plans (2018) 9

10 Regional Health Semi Annual Review (ReHSAR) ReHSAR brings together regional health workers, managers and programme leads from the health sector. T he Regional Health Semi-Annual Review brings together regional health workers, managers and program leads from the health sector, it provides interactive panel sessions and high-level presentations forum. The aim of these meetings was to review the Regional Health Performance in the different program areas such as EPI, TB, Pre-ART, ART, HTC, PMTCT and SRHU. The meeting also provides an opportunity to disseminate the findings from the Routine Data Quality Assessment This review further utilizes interactive panel sessions and deep-dive discussions, focusing on the use of strategic information to support better decision-making and program planning. The review meetings took place in March 2018, in all four regions of the country; the Hhohho ReHSAR was held at Royal Swazi Convention centre, the Lubombo ReHSAR was held at the George Hotel, the Manzini ReHSAR was held at Esibayeni Lodge and lastly the Shiselweni ReHSAR was held at Esibayeni Lodge on the 26th-29th March (RDQA) conducted in eleven (11) facilities. 10

11 ReHSAR objectives: tices by health facilities and partners. To review facility performance data periodi- To provide program updates to all health cally care workers. To provide a platform for assessing program To improve data quality in all service deliv- performance against set targets ery points. To facilitate continuous learning, document- To foster continuous data quality improve- ing and sharing of challenges and best prac- ment and ownership at facility level. The Hhohho ReHSAR The Lubombo ReHSAR The Shiselweni ReHSAR The Manzini ReHSAR 11

12 SWAZILAND CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HEALTH AWARENESS DAY T he Swaziland Christian University (SCU) is situated in the outskirts of Mbabane at Mahwalala. Aspiring psychology students organised health awareness day on the 26 th of January The theme for the event was: Your warned students about sexually transmitted marks and encouraged students to do a routine HIV test and stay negative. Your Career Your Health: Balance You Future. Nompilo Gwebu from SNAP highlighted the issue of linkages. She encouraged students to test and know Career Your Health: Balance You Future. The Swaziland National AIDS Programe (SNAP) with the help of its strategic Partner, URC helped organise this first of its kind campaign. There were various other organisations who pitched stalls with a selection on IEC material for students to view and benefit from. their HIV status. She further sent a word of advice to students who are on ART to adhere to treatment, disclose their status and have a good support network. There was a testimony from Simphiwe which was well received by students as they could readily identify with their age-mate. She warned students to stir clear of transactional sex and being in rela- AIDS Health Foundation s representative Gcinmuzi 12

13 SCU student reciting a poem during the Health Day SCU Students performing a play tionships with people not their age especially because they are away from home. As a young person like me, it is critical to know your HIV status. Some of you might have been born with HIV as well but may not be aware. Parents should not hide information from their children with regards to their status She further went on to encourage students and all present to test and disclose. mental health, People need to have the mental capability to assess their health, a health mind means a healthy body leading to a healthy society There were a lot of educational and entertainment activities rendered by the creative students from the campus. These ranged from poems, plays and dramatization of HIV related messages under the theme Your Career Your Health: Balance You Future. Psychology lecturer Zanele highlighted the issue of 13

14 SWAZILAND HIV INCIDENCE MEASUREMENT SURVEY (SHIMS 2) REPORT WRITING WORKSHOP The Report Writing Team that attended the workshop T he Swaziland HIV Measure Survey 2 Report Writing Workshop was held on the 30th January 2018, at the George Hotel in Manzini, with the goal to consensus, aggregate and produce a draft SHIMS 2 Report. The Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey 2 (SHIMS2) was a household-based national survey conducted between August 2016 and March 2017 to measure the impact of Swaziland s national HIV response on HIV incidence and viral load suppression. SHIMS 2 attendees engaging in different group discussions 14

15 teams during the study implementation. SHIMS2 offered household-based HIV counselling and testing with return of results and collected information about the uptake of HIV care and treatment services. This is the second survey to estimate national HIV incidence and viral load suppression. Previous measurements were conducted in SHIMS1 in SHIMS2 was led by the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland (GKoS) through the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Central Statistical Office (CSO). The survey was conducted with funding from the U.S. President s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and through technical assistance and partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Blanche Pitt presenting on Report Writing Process and Table Interpretation SHIMS2 was implemented by ICAP at Columbia University in collaboration with government entities, including the Health Research Unit, Swaziland Health Laboratory Services (SHLS), The objectives of the workshop were to: Share report writing skills based on SHIMS 2 report Swaziland National AIDS Program (SNAP), Health Promotion Unit, Environmental Health Department, and National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA). The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland s local and international development partners, participated in steering committees and task Produce a SHIMS 2 Draft based on all report chapters Have consensus of the report and interpretation of the results between the Ministry of Health and its key stakeholders. 15

16 KNOWLEDGE NUGGETS 16

17 SOCIAL CORNER SNAP Staff Having a Braai after World AIDS Day 2017 Commemoration at Sigwe 17

18 SWAZILAND NATIONAL AIDS PROGRAMME Cooper Centre Building Mbabane, PO Box 1119 Mbabane H100, Swaziland Upcoming activities in the next Quarter: NaHSAR Project SOAR. Tel: Fax: website: Editorial Team: Editors: Mr Muhle Dlamini Mr Nhlanhla Magagula Ms Janet Ongole Ms Ncinci Shabangu Ms Bongiwe Mazibuko Mr Kingsley Gwebu Mr Sifiso Sigudla. Contributors: Hhohho RAC- Nonhlanhla Dlamini Manzini RAC- Bongani Masango Shiselweni RAC- Strydom Mpanza Lubombo RAC Sabelo Khoza National ART Coordinator Dr Nomthantazo Lukhele National Expert Client Coordinator- Nompilo Gwebu Differentiated Service Delivery Advisor Dr Herve Kambale 18