In its mission to have an HIV-free generation by achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, Burundian government approved the establishment of community-based antiretroviral drug distribution points (PODIs) in 2020, in order to relieve congestion in health facilities and allow PLHIV to easily access ARV drugs in their communities.
It is with this in mind that a transport kit for these medicines, from the health facility to the community, has been made available to PODI managers by the Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM), in order to enable them to easy and secure transportation.
PODIs are community-based ARV distribution points managed by a network of trained PLHIV. Each stable patient on ARVs goes to the PODI quarterly for the supply of ARV drugs.
Kits for transporting ARV medicines to PODI
According to Mrs. Solange, responsible for monitoring PODIs at SYM, that kit, consisting of a backpack, register, pens, not to mention washable masks to protect against the covid-19 pandemic, will make it easier to transport and distribute ARV drugs for all members of the group and also the return to SYM of ARVs that have not been collected by some members for one reason or another.
For Mrs. Beatrice, “being responsible for PODI proves the trust that members have placed in us, which means that we must ensure that our PODI members can have everything they need and on time. These transport bags will help us to better fulfill our tasks. I would like to thank SYM, which continues to take care of its beneficiaries, reassuring itself that even this person who does not have the means to always come and collect his medication replica watches, can obtain it through us. Being responsible for PODI requires sacrifices, you can't do it if you don't have a spirit of giving yourself for others, a spirit of compassion”.
It should be noted that the PODI strategy offers a significant benefit, including reducing the burden of care for patients by providing fast, easy, free, and empowering access, all in a non-stigmatizing environment.
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