Blog RSS

Friends in Global Health (FGH) actively supports the coverage of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services for adolescents and young adults in Zambézia Province

jordahl1 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:47:17 +0000

Friends in Global Health (FGH) actively supports the coverage of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services for adolescents and young adults in Zambézia Province jordahl1 Thu, 02/08/2024 - 09:47 RSS:

FGH Communications Team (in-country)

“I took the initiative to adopt PrEP to avoid contracting the HIV virus.” Arlinda Wilson

Arlinda Wilson delivers a health lecture to young women in the Micajune neighborhood, Quelimane District.

Arlinda Wilson, a 21-year-old resident of the Micajune neighborhood, Quelimane District, is one of the 23,445 adolescents and young adults who benefited from Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV prevention services in Zambézia Province during the reporting period (Q1 COP23).

In 2022, with the support of her mother, Arlinda applied for training as an FGH supported Prevention Champion volunteer. Her role involves identifying adolescents and young adults who are victims of gender-based violence (GBV), as well as those who are eligible for PrEP, and referring them for services. She delivers community lectures and supports the organization of meetings involving adolescents, young adults, and community and religious leaders to discuss issues pertaining to GBV, HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

Arlinda is allocated as a Prevention Champion to the Quelimane Secondary School and the 4 de Dezembro Health Facility. She also refers her clients to other health facilities, primarily the FGH-supported Micajune Health Facility, which is close to her home.

“I share my experience with young people who are the same age as me, addressing similar fears, challenges, or concerns, turning negative experiences into learning opportunities.”

Though some reject her message, Arlinda understands that persistence is critical for demand creation:

“At times, when I encounter difficulties in supporting young people, I seek assistance from the School Health Corner counselors and nurses at the health facility, who have been very helpful.”

Having volunteered for nine months, Arlinda has already referred more than 50 adolescents and young adults to PrEP services.

According to existing Ministry of Health guidelines, PrEP is offered to individuals 15 years or older who have a negative HIV test result and who are at high risk for HIV infection. Arlinda achieves better results in her activities at the beginning and end of the school year because students are usually more relaxed, allowing her to conduct lectures in classrooms, resulting in more referrals to health facilities.

Initially, PrEP services were provided at only 18 health facilities in Zambézia Province. Over the past five years, with the support of FGH and funding from PEPFAR, PrEP services have been expanded to a total of 129 health facilities, including to an additional 35 health facilities in Q1 COP23.

Aguinalda Velasco, a 21-year-old adolescent, accompanied by prevention champion Arlinda Wilson, decided to go to the 4 de Dezembro Health Facility to get an HIV test after attending a community lecture.

A total of 160 Prevention Champion volunteers actively contribute to PrEP demand creation activities, reaching 32,663 adolescent and young adult PrEP beneficiaries in Zambézia Province during Q1 COP23, of which 23,445 (72%) were adolescent girls and young women. Additionally, 854 healthcare providers, 1,279 lay counselors, and 2,022 community actors were trained in PrEP, communication skills, and human rights/advocacy-based packages to enhance provider-patient interactions and the overall quality of PrEP services.

Adolescents and young adults, 10 to 24 years of age, are considered by FGH as a priority population for HIV prevention initiatives during COP23, with adolescent girls and young women being the highest priority due to their specific vulnerabilities.

The partnership between FGH and provincial health authorities, with funding support from PEPFAR, continues to play a critical role in reducing HIV transmission in Zambézia Province.

Lockdown Auth

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Pregnant Women: An effective strategy for achieving elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission

jordahl1 — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:31:53 +0000

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Pregnant Women: An effective strategy for achieving elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission jordahl1 Tue, 10/31/2023 - 12:31 RSS:

FGH Communications Team (in-country)

“PrEP helped me envision a brighter future for my son. Without hesitating, I made the choice to embrace it. I will do whatever it takes to ensure my baby is born healthy,” Jolinda Davane, Morrumbala District, Zambézia Province.

Jolinda Davane and her husband, Chapo Saiconde, shared their story in the Morrumbala District Hospital UATS (Unidade de Aconselhamento e Testagem em Saúde), after their prenatal appointment.

Jolinda Davane, a vibrant 20-year-old woman living in the 25 de Setembro neighborhood in Morrumbala District, embarked on one of life’s most beautiful journeys – motherhood. She is nine months pregnant and had recently received the wonderful news that her HIV test result was negative.

Jolinda knew her husband, Chapo Ernesto Saiconde, has been living with HIV and that he was healthy with an undetectable viral load. Still, when she learned she was pregnant, anxiety and insomnia consumed her. The fear of potentially transmitting HIV to her baby tormented her every day.

Amidst the uncertainties, Jolinda and Chapo decided to take action. One Tuesday morning, they visited the Morrumbala District Hospital for their first prenatal appointment. While Jolinda met with the healthcare provider, her husband waited patiently in the courtyard. During the appointment, the nurse invited Chapo into the room and offered both of them an HIV test.

Jolinda's face lit up when she received the news that her test was negative. “I accepted the test and I jumped with happiness when I was informed that my HIV test result was negative. My husband, who was already aware of his HIV-positive status, shared this information with the nurse. He has been living with HIV since he was born.”

What followed was a life-changing moment for Jolinda. The nurse introduced her to a medication that could reduce the risk of HIV transmission to both her and her baby. With overwhelming relief, she embraced the opportunity to start pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

“The nurse explained to me how to take the medication and that I could take it to reduce the risk of getting HIV, and also protect the baby from the virus. This information took all the anxiety away and I did not hesitate to accept taking PrEP.”

Leaving that appointment, Jolinda’s heart was filled with dreams of a healthy future for her child. She exclaimed, “Since that day, everything has changed for me. Now, I eagerly anticipate the birth of my first child.”

Chapo became Jolinda’s unwavering supporter, ensuring she never missed a dose of PrEP. He knew that this decision was critical for their child’s health, and together they forged ahead with unwavering determination.

“When my wife was advised to start PrEP, I supported the decision because I knew that the chances of our child being born healthy had increased. I take my HIV pills every day at the same time with my wife, and so it is very easy to remind each other. The fact that I was born with HIV does not mean that my child must also be born with it. This is the information I hear in all of our appointments at the health facility.”

Joalinda Davane, a few minutes after leaving her 9-month prenatal appointment at Morrumbala District Hospital.

According to nurse Joana Almeida, “After receiving the pregnant woman [at the appointment], we always advise her to take an HIV test and we explain the risks of not taking the test. If the test is positive, the woman is advised to start ART following the Ministry of Health “Test & Start” strategy. When the woman initiates ART, the possible adverse effects of the medication are explained. The important thing is to stop the replication of the virus in the body. For women who come without a partner and test positive, we invite the participation of the partner. If the couple is positive after testing, we advise the couple to start taking ARV medications. The partner is transferred to ART services and the woman continues receiving assistance until the ninth month. We follow the pregnant woman so that the delivery takes place at the health facility, reducing the risk of vertical transmission of the virus to the baby.

Now, with PrEP, we also protect the babies of HIV-negative pregnant women, whose partners live with HIV, or are at high risk. They receive PrEP during pregnancy, delivery, and lactation.”

Jolinda Davane is one of 2,280 pregnant women who have benefited from PrEP during the fourth quarter of COP22 in Zambézia Province. This powerful strategy has given women hope and protection against HIV vertical transmission. With funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through CDC, VUMC/FGH supports the Zambézia Province Health Authorities in the provision of HIV services at 149 health facilities, 97 of which offer PrEP services.

Lockdown Auth

FGH Employee Highlight: Health Counselor Evaristo Ricardo reflects on FGH’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ Community

jordahl1 — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:47:23 +0000

FGH Employee Highlight: Health Counselor Evaristo Ricardo reflects on FGH’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ Community jordahl1 Tue, 10/03/2023 - 09:47 RSS:

FGH Communications Team (in-country)

Adapted from the special June 2023 edition of FGH Breves, the official newsletter of Friends in Global Health, in celebration of Pride Month.

This June, FGH celebrated Pride Month and its continued support of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mozambique. FGH promotes social equity and the reduction of stigma and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people as a vital part of the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Evaristo (Eva) Ricardo is a 27 year old resident of Mocuba, a rural district in Zambézia Province. He has been an FGH Health Counselor for three years and is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In his adolescence, he discovered that he had a different sexual orientation, identifying strongly with his feminine side. Being the child of pastors, he initially sought spiritual help, believing he was possessed. As an adolescent, Eva experienced discrimination at school and suffered rejection at home due to his sexual orientation. Through LAMBDA, an LGBTQIA+ advocacy association in Mozambique and FGH partner, he met other people of different sexual orientations and for the first time he felt comfortable in his identity.

For Eva, identifying as LGBTQIA+ in Zambézia Province comes with challenges. There are still obstacles in accessing employment and equal rights. But things are changing. “[Being gay] means being someone who draws attention and attracts the gaze of curious people wherever they go. There are still those who look at me with distrust. However, I must say that in the cities of Quelimane and Mocuba, more respect for us is already evident.”

Trained in Preventive Medicine, Eva has been working as an FGH Health Counselor assigned to Mocuba Health Center for the last three years. Prior to arriving in Mocuba, he worked in the provincial capital of Quelimane, at the Sangarivera Health Center. “When I arrived [in Mocuba] to work, it was a surprise for all my colleagues. They did not expect to have a gay colleague. But they quickly welcomed me and I am very happy with the work I do.”

In addition to the supportive work environment, Eva praises FGH’s commitment to the implementation of HIV health services created specifically to assist members of the LGBTQIA+ community. “In the past, it was difficult to access health services. The inclusion of men who have sex with men (MSM) as a key population is very important. Receiving [specialized] attention in health sector initiatives represents greater access to care and treatment, including for HIV. We need to increasingly create a welcoming environment for [LGBTQIA+ patients] to feel free to talk about all their health concerns.”

In 2022, FGH conducted training for improved interpersonal communication between providers and patients which included a component on improving the quality of care for LGBTQIA+ patients. A total of 510 health care providers were trained from 35 health centers across 17 FGH-supported districts in Zambézia Province.

Pride Month has special meaning to Eva. “June represents joy for me. It’s the month of celebration and it serves to raise awareness in the community and the world about respect for diversity. This is the month when we talk about the importance of respecting the diverse sexuality of every person and moving towards a world without discrimination.”

FGH Health Counselor Evaristo Ricardo

Lockdown Auth

VUMC/FGH presented at IAS 2023

jordahl1 — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:55:24 +0000

VUMC/FGH presented at IAS 2023

HIV/AIDS, Mozambique, Global Health

jordahl1 Mon, 08/07/2023 - 14:55 RSS:

The VUMC/FGH Evaluations team presented results from various program evaluation projects at the 12th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science in Brisbane, Australia, July 23-26, 2023.

The FGH Evaluations Department is comprised of a team of researchers and analysts who conduct HIV/AIDS program evaluations and research studies, and shares results with partners and policymakers to guide future interventions.

The team, led and represented at the conference by FGH Evaluations Director Caroline De Schacht, MD, MSc, PhD, presented seven abstracts: one accepted as an oral presentation, one as a poster exhibition presentation, and five abstracts accepted as e-poster presentations.

The IAS 2023 Conference Program is available online. FGH presentation abstracts and their location in the Conference Program are provided below:

Oral presentation (late-breaker):

“Moral trauma among health professionals providing HIV services in Mozambique: preliminary results of a qualitative study”, presented by Caroline De Schacht, MD, MSc, PhD, Tuesday July 25th, 14:45-15:45 (AEST), in Great Hall/Channel 1
OALBD0605 Abstract here
All Track D late-breaker presentations here

Poster exhibition presentation:

“Favorable Outcomes of Option B+ Strategy Despite COVID-19 Restrictions: Retrospective Cohort Study in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (2019-2021)”, presented by Caroline De Schacht, MD, MSc, PhD, Tuesday July 25th, 12:00-13:00 (AEST), in Poster exhibition area
TUPEE24 Abstract here

E-poster presentations:

“Favorable Effect of Differentiated Models of Care on Retention in Care and Viral Suppression among Adults on Antiretroviral Treatment: Retrospective Cohort Study in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (2016-2021)”, José Tique, MD, MPH; Abstract #EPE0829, here
“Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Persons on HIV Antiretroviral Treatment in Mozambique: Baseline Characteristics among Participants of the COVIV Cohort Study”, Edna Nhacule, MD; Abstract #EPC0517, here
“Assessing the infection prevention and control program during the COVID-19 era in the health facilities participating in the COVIV national study in Mozambique”, Celso Belo, MD, MMSc; Abstract #EPB0280, here
“Trends in Interruptions in Treatment Among Men, Pregnant Women and Non-Pregnant Women: Retrospective Cohort Study in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (2013-2021)”, Erin Graves, BSN, MPH; Abstract #EPC0488, here
“Integrating civil birth registration (Unique Civil Identification Number) into the Health Information System through the Pediatric HIV Care Services in Zambézia Province, Mozambique”, Celso Belo, MD, MMSc; Abstract #EPE0973, here

Tags

HIV/AIDS, Global Health, Mozambique

Lockdown Auth

Reintegration Campaigns: Restoring Health Services After Cyclone Freddy in Zambézia Province

jordahl1 — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:26:15 +0000

Reintegration Campaigns: Restoring Health Services After Cyclone Freddy in Zambézia Province jordahl1 Mon, 07/31/2023 - 13:26 RSS:

FGH Communications Team (in-country)

“Because of antiretroviral treatment, I'm still alive and able to take care of my children. I want to advise everyone in HIV care and treatment to follow the recommendations of their healthcare providers.” Amélia Francisco, Namacurra District.

Amélia Francisco is a thirty-six-year-old single mother of four living in Namugule, Namacurra District. She has been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) since 2013. Amelia's first child is nineteen years old and also on ART. Her younger three children, ages fifteen, eleven, and eight, are all HIV-negative. She told us, “Fortunately, the other three children tested negative for HIV because when they were born, I was already on ART, and during the pregnancy I decided to be adherent, to never abandon my prenatal care and HIV consultations.”

On March 11, 2023, Amélia’s life, along with the lives of over 200,000 other people in Zambézia Province, was severely affected by the landfall of tropical Cyclone Freddy. With winds reaching 148 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall of up to 300 milliliters within 24 hours, the cyclone left a trail of destruction in its wake. Essential infrastructure such as roofs, roads, electricity, and telecommunication networks suffered severe damage.

FGH employees Dr. Tánia Mulhanga and counselor Isidro Ossufo conducting an HIV consultation with Amélia Francisco at a health fair in Dualia, Namacurra District.

The health facility where Amélia received services was among many that were severely affected by the cyclone. The roof was damaged and maternity care and HIV services were temporarily suspended.

Amélia’s house in Namugule was destroyed by the cyclone, forcing her family to temporarily relocate to a different neighborhood in Mucucunho. Amélia focused her efforts on rebuilding her house, ensuring that her children have a place they can call home. The rebuilding period was challenging and Amélia had to make many sacrifices. As for many people dislocated by the cyclone, Amélia did not have the time or transportation to seek healthcare. She missed her routine appointment at the health facility and ran out of her ART. Amélia’s treatment was interrupted for two months.

The emergency caused by Cyclone Freddy resulted in the highest level of treatment interruption in a single month in more than five years at FGH supported health facilities. Amélia was just one of the 25,175 patients in Zambézia Province who experienced treatment interruptions in April 2023, representing 7% of the total number of patients currently receiving ART. But FGH and local health authorities worked quickly to address the challenges faced by patients and by the end of June, the number of patients active on ART had increased to 361,352, returning to the pre-cyclone levels. While Amélia was still working to rebuild her house, she heard about an FGH ART reintegration campaign taking place in the Dualia neighborhood, near her temporary housing in Mucucunho. Amélia attended a health fair organized as part of the reintegration campaign. There, she received a clinical consultation, viral load testing, and a supply of her ART.

Amélia told us about the value she sees in health fairs conducted in the community, “They are very important and beneficial for us because many people have difficulties reaching the health facilities. We live very far from the health facility and sometimes we need to pay for transportation, and we don’t have money for that. The fair also helps those who missed the opportunity to pick up their ARVs. They have an opportunity to return to care. That’s what happened to me.”

Amélia Francisco having a blood draw for viral load testing at a simplified mobile clinic at a health fair in Dualia, Namacurra District.

Work to repair the damaged roof of Amélia’s local health facility was initiated with support from Friends in Global Health (FGH). In neighboring Quelimane District, repair work has already been completed. Francisco Américo, the Director of the 17 de Setembro Health Facility in Quelimane told us,

“Thanks to the efforts made by FGH, it was possible to replace the roof of various buildings of the health facility destroyed during Cyclone Freddy, which allowed the resumption of services that had been suspended.”

To respond to the emergency caused by Cyclone Freddy, FGH supplemented PEPFAR funding with funding from the Embassy of Switzerland in Mozambique, and Millennium BIM bank, enabling roof repairs at 41 supported health facilities and allowing the resumption of services that had been temporarily suspended.

FGH supports provincial health authorities to provide HIV and TB services at 149 health facilities in Zambézia Province with PEPFAR funding through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Amélia Francisco drawing water from the well at her home in Namugule.

In response to Cyclone Freddy, patient reintegration campaigns were activated, complementing home visits and community ART distribution by healthcare providers. These campaigns utilized lists of patients meeting treatment interruption criteria, organized by neighborhood. Invitations were delivered to patient homes by FGH community healthcare workers, while community leaders were engaged to ensure widespread participation. The campaigns provided comprehensive services, including clinical consultations, viral load testing, psychosocial support, ART dispensation, prophylactic treatment (such as TB preventive therapy), and youth-friendly services. Improved infrastructure and community outreach activities significantly contributed to the restoration of health services in Zambézia Province.

The emergency caused by the cyclone had a significant negative impact, but the rapid response provided by FGH and local health authorities enabled the reintegration of individuals to ART services and allowed efforts to control the HIV epidemic in Zambézia Province to return to normal as quickly as possible.

Lockdown Auth

VUMC/FGH presented at INTEREST 2023

jordahl1 — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:01:43 +0000

VUMC/FGH presented at INTEREST 2023 jordahl1 Fri, 07/14/2023 - 14:01 RSS:

The VUMC/FGH team presented results from various program evaluation projects at the 17th INTEREST Conference (held in-person in Maputo, Mozambique and virtually) on May 9-12, 2023.

The team presented on four abstracts accepted as poster presentations, led by FGH’s Evaluations Director, Dr. Caroline De Schacht, Technical Director, Dr. José Tique, and Evaluations Manager, Dr. Celso Belo, as well as five abstracts accepted for inclusion in the conference abstract book.

The INTEREST 2023 conference program and all presented abstracts are available online in the Abstract Book. Information on FGH-presented abstracts and their location in the book (abstract and page numbers) are provided here:

Poster presentations:

Favorable Effect of Differentiated Models of Care on Retention in Care and Viral Suppression among Adults on Antiretroviral Treatment: Retrospective Cohort Study in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (2016-2021), José Tique; Abstract #66, Page #61
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Persons on HIV Antiretroviral Treatment in Mozambique: Baseline Characteristics among Participants of the COVIV Cohort Study, Edna Nhacule; Abstract #100, Page #86
Trends of Coverage and Yield of HIV Testing Services Using a Lay Counselor-Led Intensified HIV Risk Screening Strategy in Zambézia Province, Mozambique: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis (2019-2020), Caroline De Schacht; Abstract #154, Page #124
Trends in Interruptions in Treatment Among Men, Pregnant Women and Non-Pregnant Women: Retrospective Cohort Study in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (2013-2021), Caroline De Schacht; Abstract #235, Page #181

Abstract book presentations:

Assessing the infection prevention and control program during the COVID-19 era in the health facilities participating in the COVIV national study in Mozambique, Celso Belo; Abstract #381, Page #280
Serodiscordant couples’ perspectives on an HIV/PrEP educational storytelling intervention piloted in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, Erin Graves; Abstract #526, Page #377
Integrating civil birth registration (Unique Civil Identification Number) into the Health Information System through the Pediatric HIV Care Services in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, Celso Belo; Abstract #583, Page #416
Favorable Outcomes of Option B+ Strategy Despite COVID-19 Restrictions: Retrospective Cohort Study in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (2019-2021), Caroline De Schacht; Abstract #663, Page #469
“If it weren't for this, we'd be sick” – Participants’ perspectives of a novel couple-based HIV care, treatment, and support program during prenatal and postpartum periods in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, Hannah Brooks; Abstract #700, Page #493

Lockdown Auth

Teenagers in Mozambique Participate in Countrywide COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

ridingkm — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:39:47 +0000

Teenagers in Mozambique Participate in Countrywide COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign ridingkm Fri, 03/24/2023 - 10:39 RSS:

https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/stories/2023/teenagers-in-mozambique.html

Lockdown Auth

VUMC/FGH participated and presented at Jornadas Regionais 2022

ridingkm — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 22:55:04 +0000

VUMC/FGH participated and presented at Jornadas Regionais 2022 ridingkm Mon, 11/28/2022 - 16:55 RSS:

VUMC/FGH participated in and presented at the Jornadas de Saúde da Região Centro (Central Region Health Conference) held October 27-29, 2022 in Tete City, Tete, Mozambique.

The conference’s Scientific Programme (in Portuguese) is available here.

The FGH team participated with five oral presentations and one poster presentation, led by FGH’s Caroline De Schacht (Evaluations Director), Celso Belo (Evaluations Manager), Carlota Fonseca (Senior Evaluations Officer), Paula Paulo (Provincial Evaluations Coordinator), and Ariano Matino (Data Monitoring and Analysis Officer), as listed below:

Oral presentation by Celso Belo (#032, Page #15 in Programme):
- COVID-19 e a saúde mental dos trabalhadores de saúde nos serviços de HIV da Zambézia (Portuguese)
- COVID-19 and the mental health of health workers in Zambézia's HIV services (English)
Oral presentation by Celso Belo, FGH Evaluations Manager (#070, Page #18 in Programme):
- Percepções sobre o impacto da COVID-19 no acesso aos serviços de saúde de HIV (Portuguese)
- Perceptions about the impact of COVID-19 on access to HIV health services (English)
Oral presentation by Carlota Fonseca (#071, Page #18 in Programme):
- Barreiras e facilitadores para aceitação da vacinação contra a COVID-19 na população adulta e idosa, Zambézia (Portuguese)
- Barriers and facilitators for acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 in the adult and elderly population, Zambézia (English)
Oral presentation by Paula Paulo (#064, Page #17 in Programme):
- Desempenho do auto teste de HIV entre populações-alvo na zona rural de Moçambique (Portuguese)
- HIV self-test performance among target populations in rural Mozambique (English)
Oral presentation by Ariano Matino (#033, Page #15 in Programme):
- Sintomas de depressão correlacionados em casais seroconcordantes vivendo com HIV na província da Zambézia, Moçambique (Portuguese)
- Correlated depression symptoms in seroconcordant couples living with HIV in Zambézia province, Mozambique (English)
Poster presentation by Caroline De Schacht (#151, Page #26 in Programme):
- Vacinação contra a COVID-19 entre pessoas com HIV e activistas: inquérito de aceitabilidade, Zambézia Moçambique (Portuguese)
- Vaccination against COVID-19 among people with HIV and activists: acceptability survey, Zambézia Mozambique (English)

FGH team members also participated in the moderation of one round table and several parallel sessions, as listed below:

Round Table Session:

“Desafios Alcance das Metas 95/95/95” (Portuguese)/ “Challenges Achieving 95/95/95 Goals” (English) -- Co-moderated by Caroline De Schacht

Parallel Sessions:

“Serviços de saúde e Custos em Saúde” (Portuguese)/ “Health Services and Health Costs” (English) -- Co-moderated by Carlota Fonseca
“Adesão e Retenção ao TARV” (Portuguese)/ “Adherence and Retention to ART” (English) -- Co-moderated by Caroline De Schacht
“Vigilância e Observação de Saúde” (Portuguese)/ “Health Surveillance and Observation” (English) -- Co-moderated by Paula Paulo
“Trauma e Violência, Populações Chaves” (Portuguese)/ “Trauma, Violence and Key Populations” (English) -- Co-moderated by Celso Belo

Lockdown Auth

VUMC/FGH team presented at INTEREST and AIDS 2022

ridingkm — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 22:48:32 +0000

VUMC/FGH team presented at INTEREST and AIDS 2022 ridingkm Mon, 11/28/2022 - 16:48 RSS:

INTEREST 2022

The VUMC/FGH team presented results from various program evaluation projects at the 16th INTEREST Conference (held in-person in Kampala, Uganda and virtually) on May 10-13, 2022.

The team presented on six abstracts accepted as poster presentations, led by FGH’s Evaluations Director, Caroline De Schacht, MD, MSc, PhD, Evaluations Manager, Celso Belo, MD, MMSc, Senior Evaluations Officer, Carlota Fonseca, and Provincial Evaluations Coordinator, Paula Paulo.

The conference abstracts are now available online in the INTEREST 2022 Abstract Book. Information on FGH-presented abstracts and their location in the book are provided here:

Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding the Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Mental Health of Healthcare Workers Delivering HIV Services in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, C. Belo; Paper #153, Page #123
Perceptions Regarding Impact of COVID-19 on Access to Healthcare among Persons with HIV and Healthcare Workers Providing HIV Care in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, C. Belo; Paper #157, Page #126
COVID-19 Vaccination among Persons with HIV and Health Activists: Acceptability Study in Mozambique, C. De Schacht; Paper #161, Page #129
HIV Self-Test Performance Among Targeted Populations in Rural Mozambique, C. De Schacht; Paper #259, Page #201
Barriers and Facilitators to Use of Male Friendly Clinical Services in Quelimane, Zambézia province, Mozambique: Results of a qualitative study, 2021, C. Fonseca; Paper #384, Page #292
Tuberculosis and HIV Testing Among Patients with Presumptive Tuberculosis: Results of a Pilot in Zambézia Province Mozambique, P. Paulo; Paper #248, Page #193

AIDS 2022

The VUMC/FGH team presented results from one program evaluation projects at the 24th International AIDS Conference (held in-person in Montreal, Canada and virtually) on July 29 – August 2, 2022.

The team presented one abstract accepted as an e-poster presentation, led by FGH’s Senior Evaluations Officer, Carlota Fonseca.

The AIDS 2022 Programme and abstracts/presentations are now available online, and all abstracts are available online in the AIDS 2022 Abstract Book. Links to access the presented abstract and e-poster are provided here:

Barriers and Facilitators to Use of Male Friendly Clinical Services in Quelimane, Zambézia province, Mozambique: Results of a qualitative study, 2021, C. Fonseca (EPE085)
- Abstract link
- E-poster link
- Abstract Book – Abstract #EPE085, Page #1124

Lockdown Auth

FGH presented at IAS and Jornadas Nacionais 2021

ridingkm — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:42:21 +0000

FGH presented at IAS and Jornadas Nacionais 2021 ridingkm Fri, 12/31/2021 - 08:42 RSS:

IAS 2021

VUMC/FGH presented at the International AIDS Society (IAS) 2021 conference held July 18-21, 2021.

The team participated by presenting an e-poster of evaluation findings for a key HIV prevention and care/treatment program evaluation project entitled, “The effect of a mentor mothers program on maternal and infant PMTCT outcomes in Zambézia province, Mozambique” (PE01-D106). The e-poster was presented by James (Jimmy) Carlucci, MD, MPH (Indiana University) as part of the session entitled Prevention of vertical transmission.

The presented session (including the abstract, pdf of e-poster, and webcast recording) can be found here.

The digital content from the entire IAS 2021 conference is free and on-demand here, with video and e-poster sessions available in several channels that can be searched by track category or keyword(s).

Jornadas Nacionais 2021

VUMC/FGH participated in and presented at the XVII Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde (National Health Conference) held September 8-10, 2021.

The conference has been organized by Mozambique’s Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS, in English, the National Institute of Health) since 1976, and takes place every three years. Serving as Mozambique’s largest and foremost scientific event in the health field, the INS describes it as, “… a nation-wide event, during which the results of scientific research in the field of health and related areas are presented and discussed, with the purpose of informing and influencing decision-making and the formulation of public health policies.” The theme for the XVII conference was "Promoting health security and sustainable development through transdisciplinary scientific research."

In total, there were 11 scientific works and 2 symposium sessions that FGH and collaborators from the Provincial Health Department of Zambézia (DPS-Z) presented at the XVII National Health Conference.

The scientific program of the entire conference (and searchable by session type) is available here.

Participation highlights:

FGH was the proud recipient of the conference award for “Best Oral Presentation” for the oral presentation given by Dr. José Tique (FGH Technical Director) sharing HIV program evaluation results on the “Positive Effects of Intensified Preventive Calls/Home Visits on Early Retention in Zambézia Province.”
Dr. Caroline De Schacht (FGH Director of Evaluations) served as Vice-President of the Scientific Committee for the XVII Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde conference, including moderation of one plenary session and assisting in the writing of the conference summary report.

Symposium sessions:

1. At the symposium themed, Building Health Information Systems Integrated with a Multidisciplinary Landscape, the session entitled "Harmonization and Centralization of Electronic Patient Monitoring System - OpenMRS: The future of management of patients on ART" was presented by Eurico José (FGH Health Information Systems [HIS] Director)

2. At the symposium themed, Intersection of HIV and COVID-19 Epidemics: Social and health system, and laboratory issues in co-infected patients, the session entitled “The effects of COVID-19 on PLHIV mental health and access to health services” was presented by Dr. Celso Belo (FGH Evaluations Manager)

Oral Presentations:

Effect of Mentor Mothers Program on Maternal and Infant PMTCT Outcomes in Zambézia
a. Presented by: Cristina Cugara, DPS-Z MCH/PMTCT Focal Point
Involvement of the Private Sector in HIV Care: Acceptability of HIV Self-Test in Pharmacies
a.Presented by: Carlota Lucas Fonseca, FGH Senior Evaluations Officer
Impact of community adherence support groups on retention and viral suppression in Zambézia
a. Presented by: Dr. Cheinaze Veríssimo, DPS-Z Provincial HIV Supervisor
Tuberculosis and HIV Testing in People with Presumptive Tuberculosis: Results of a Pilot in Zambézia
a. Presented by: Paula Paulo, FGH Provincial Evaluations Coordinator
Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among HIV Serodiscordant Couples: A Qualitative Study in Zambézia
a. Presented by: Almiro Maurício Emílio, FGH HoPS+ Study Officer

Poster presentations:

Association of Time Spent at Health Facility with Retention: A Satisfaction Survey in Zambézia
a. Presented by Caroline De Schacht, FGH Director of Evaluations
Barriers and Facilitators for the Use of Men-Friendly Services in Quelimane City
a. Presented by Carlota Lucas Fonseca, FGH Senior Evaluations Officer
Monitoring Process Measures in Retention: Assessing Quality Improvement in Zambézia
a. Presented by Sara Van Rompaey, FGH HIS Clinical Advisor
Perceptions on Access to Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zambézia Province
a. Presented by Paula Paulo, FGH Provincial Evaluations Coordinator
Patient Satisfaction and Retention of HIV Care in Zambézia Province, Mozambique
a. Presented by Caroline De Schacht, FGH Director of Evaluations

Lockdown Auth

FGH Presented at INTEREST 2020

ridingkm — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:49:59 +0000

FGH Presented at INTEREST 2020 ridingkm Thu, 01/21/2021 - 14:49 RSS:

The VUMC/FGH team presented results from various program evaluation projects at the INTEREST 2020 virtual conference in December. The team presented on five abstracts, including two mini-oral presentations, represented by FGH’s Evaluations Director, Caroline De Schacht, and Technical Director, José Tique.

As the conference abstracts/presentations are now available online in the Academic Medical Education (AME) platform, links are provided here for your reviewing and sharing:

For Each Hour a Patient Living with HIV Spends in the Health Facility, the Probability of Being Retained in Care Decreases: Results from a Patients’ Satisfaction Survey in Mozambique
1. Mini-oral presentation (Caroline De Schacht): video and slide set
2. Abstract
Positive Effects of Intensified Preventive Calls/Home Visits on Early Retention Among Adults Newly Initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy in Zambézia Province, Mozambique
1. Mini-oral presentation (José Tique): video
2. Abstract
Immunodeficiency Among HIV-positive Children in the Setting of Evolving Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Policies: 6 Years of Pediatric CD4 Data from Zambézia Province, Mozambique
1. e-Poster
2. Abstract
Interpersonal Patient Satisfaction Factors More Strongly Correlated with Retention in Care than Structural Factors Among Adults Receiving HIV Services in Rural Mozambique
1. e-Poster
2. Abstract
Evidence of a Quality Improvement-Guided Intervention to Improve the Availability of Viral Load Results Among Pregnant and Lactating Women Receiving Care at a Large HIV Clinic in Rural Zambézia, Mozambique (note: e-poster not available)
1. Abstract

Lockdown Auth

FGH Presented at AIDS 2020 and CROI 2020

ridingkm — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 20:45:38 +0000

FGH Presented at AIDS 2020 and CROI 2020 ridingkm Thu, 08/27/2020 - 15:45 RSS:

VUMC/FGH presented at the AIDS 2020: Virtual Conference from July 6-10th. The presentations are available online, the collective team participated by presenting on the following key HIV prevention and care/treatment program evaluation projects:

Positive Effects of Intensified Preventive Calls/Home Visits on Early Retention Among Adults Newly Initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. (PDE0104) – poster discussion session, presented by José Tique, FGH
Interpersonal Patient Satisfaction Factors More Strongly Correlated with Retention in Care than Structural Factors Among Adults Receiving HIV Services in Rural Mozambique. (PED0881) – e-poster presentation, presented by Caroline De Schacht, FGH
Evidence of a Quality Improvement-Guided Intervention to Improve the Availability and use of Viral Load Results Among Pregnant and Lactating Women Receiving Care at a Large HIV Clinic in Rural Zambézia Province, Mozambique. (PEE1533) – e-poster presentation, presented by Cella Cabsela, FGH

The digital content from the entire AIDS 2020: Virtual conference is free and on-demand here, with video and e-poster sessions available in several channels that can be searched by track category or keyword(s)

Additionally, the FGH/VUMC team participated in the CROI 2020 Conference from March 8-11th, 2020 with a presentation sharing preliminary findings from an HIV self-testing program evaluation:

Is an Unassisted Pharmacy-Based HIV Self-Testing Strategy In Mozambique Sufficient? (abstract #0957) – e-poster and accompanying video, presented by Caroline De Schacht, FGH

The digital content from the entire CROI 2020 conference is available here, with abstracts, e-posters and webcasts available in digital format that can be searched by track category or keyword(s).

Lockdown Auth

FGH Presented at IAS 2019

ridingkm — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 20:11:39 +0000

FGH Presented at IAS 2019 ridingkm Fri, 10/11/2019 - 15:11 RSS:

VUMC/FGH presented our at the IAS 2019 Conference in Mexico City, Mexico during the week of July 21st. Represented by Bill Wester, VUMC Professor and PI of the Avante program, our collective team presented posters on the following projects:

To review the above presentations, click on the above link to access the abstract, and/or scroll to bottom of page to download the e-poster (note the conference abstract number in parentheses above).

The link for the full IAS 2019 conference presentations program is here: http://programme.ias2019.org/Abstract, and it is possible to search by abstract type, track category, or keyword(s).

Lockdown Auth

FGH Presented at INTEREST 2019

ridingkm — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:08:48 +0000

FGH Presented at INTEREST 2019 ridingkm Wed, 07/31/2019 - 15:08 RSS:

VUMC/FGH presented at the INTEREST 2019 Conference in Accra, Ghana. Represented by Caroline De Schacht, FGH Director of Evaluations, our collective team presented the following work:

Mini-oral presentation:

Male engagement optimization in antenatal care clinics to assess need for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in serodiscordant couples: estimation based on preliminary data from a cluster randomized trial in Zambézia Province, Mozambique.

Abstracts:

Effectiveness of short message service (SMS) reminders on timely pick-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among consenting HIV-positive adults in Zambézia province, Mozambique.
Implementing Quality Improvement in a large HIV clinic to improve the availability of pediatric viral load results for patient care in rural Zambézia Province, Mozambique.
Improved viral suppression rates among HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) via community adherence group (CAG) support in Zambézia province, Mozambique.

The link for conference presentations is here: http://www.infectiousdiseasesonline.com/presentations-13th-interest/. Please see a mini-oral abstract presentation (#9) given by Caroline De Schacht on male engagement optimization in ANC in Zambézia, Mozambique!

The link/pdf for conference abstract book is available here: http://regist2.virology-education.com/abstractbook/2019/abstractbook_13INTEREST.pdf. You can find VUMC/FGH abstracts on pg.12 (#9), pg. 164 (#305), pg. 187 (#352), and pg. 220 (#420).

Lockdown Auth

Friends in Global Health presented at AIDS 2018

ridingkm — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 18:57:15 +0000

Friends in Global Health presented at AIDS 2018 ridingkm Mon, 03/18/2019 - 13:57 RSS:

The 22nd International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2018) was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from July 23 through July 27, 2018. This conference is the premier world-wide gathering for those working in the field of HIV, including researchers and clinicians as well as policymakers, people living with HIV, and activists. Friends in Global Health (FGH) team members were in attendance to present their work, and to learn and engage with others committed to ending the epidemic.

This year, the FGH team presented an abstract on their evaluation of an intervention aimed at increasing utilization of available services, and improving the outcomes of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) who seek health care services in Zambézia province, Mozambique.

Intervention elements included a targeted package of activities focused on community education and training. Education components included theater presentations and lectures to educate community members on the importance of seeking immediate care for GBV. Training of community members included religious leaders, traditional healers, traditional birth attendants, police, judges, activists, and others contributing to GBV referral systems.

While the initial evaluation results did not show an increase of survivors seeking care, those that did obtain care were more engaged in care. Among those seeking health services for sexual violence at a clinic, significant increases were seen in completion of follow-up visits and re-testing for HIV.

To further evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on HIV incidence among GBV survivors, the evaluation team will continue to assess follow-up activities for up to six months for survivors who were potentially exposed to HIV and initiated post-exposure prophylaxis.

This project was supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pictured from left to right: Sara Van Rompaey – Quality Improvement Technical Advisor, FGH; Caroline De Schacht – Evaluations Director, FGH; Rosa Cuco – Gender Advisor to the Health Minister, Mozambican Ministry of Health; Raquel Cossa – GBV Focal Point, Mozambican Ministry of Health; Carolyn Audet – Principal Investigator, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health

Abstract Title: Improved services, health seeking behavior, and outcomes for gender-based violence survivors, including post-exposure prophylaxis in rural Zambézia province, Mozambique

View poster in your browser

Authors:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Carolyn Audet
Wu Gong
Erin Graves

Ministry of Health, Mozambique
Raquel Cossa

Zambézia Provincial Health Directorate
Elsa Chele

Friends in Global Health, Mozambique
Sara Van Rompaey
Magdalena Bravo
Francisco Melo
João Eduardo Malinha
Caroline De Schacht

Lockdown Auth

FGH presented at 2018 Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde (National Health Days)

ridingkm — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 18:53:37 +0000

FGH presented at 2018 Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde (National Health Days) ridingkm Mon, 03/18/2019 - 13:53 RSS:

The 2018 Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde (National Health Days) scientific conference was held in Maputo, Mozambique from September 17 through 20, 2018. This conference occurs every three years, and is a gathering of clinicians, researchers and scientists, academics, and policymakers operating in the national health system of Mozambique. The scientific program included oral and poster presentations on a range of health-related issues specific to Mozambique. The theme for this year was “Promoting Intersectional and Community Participation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals.”

Friends in Global Health team members presented abstracts, delivered oral presentations and participated in a panel discussion on male engagement in the uptake of health services. Topics included assessment of quality improvement of HIV/AIDS care, viral suppression rates, HIV prevention among girls and young women and the outcome of a gender-based violence initiative.

Oral Presentations

"Evaluation of Viral Suppression in Community Membership Groups (GAAC) in Zambézia Province, Mozambique" presented by FGH Provincial Clinical Advisor: Fernandes Bilhete

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health, Mozambique

Fernandes Bilhete
MayraMelo
CarolineDe Schacht
Sara Van Rompaey

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia

Ivan Tancredo

Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health

William Wester

"Evaluation of the Gender-Based Violence Initiative in 15 Health Facilities in Zambézia" presented by FGH Evaluations Officer: Paula Paulino

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health, Mozambique

Sara Van Rompaey
Paula Paulo
João Eduardo Malinha
Francisco Melo
Magdalena Bravo
Caroline De Schacht

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Carolyn Audet
Wu Gong
Erin Graves

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia

Elsa Chele

Ministry of Health Maputo

Raquel Cos

Poster Presentations

"Increasing the Availability of ART Clinical Files in Zambézia Using Quality Improvement Methodology"

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health, Mozambique

Mayra Melo
Themos Ntasis
Sara Van Rompaey
Maria Fernanda Sardella Alvim

Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health

Josh Viele

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia

Antonieta Inácio

"HIV Serodiscordance in Couples that Attend Prenatal Consultation in Zambézia"

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health Mozambique

Caroline De Schach
Ezequiel Barreto
Sara Van Rompaey

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia

Arifo Aboobacar

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Erin Graves
Carolyn Audet

"What are the characteristics of adults in ART with Viral Suppression in Zambézia Province?"

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health, Mozambique

Sara Van Rompaey
Mayra Melo
Fernandes Bilhete
Caroline De Schacht

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia, Ministry of Health Mozambique

Ivan Tancredo

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Biostatistics

Wu Gong

"Results of implementation of the Quality Improvement National Guidelines for HIV and AIDS Care in Zambézia"

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health Mozambique

Caroline De Schacht
Severiano Charles Foia
Sara Van Rompaey

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia

Ivan Tancredo Nhamposse
Antonieta Da Piedade Inácio

CDC Mozambique

Melissa Briggs Hagen

National Directorate of Public Health

Hélder Macul

"Expansion of HIV prevention services for adolescent girls and young women in Zambézia"

Authors (ordered by affiliation)

Friends in Global Health Mozambique

Assane Macangira
Caroline De Schacht

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Erin Graves
C. William Wester

Provincial Health Directorate of Zambézia

Feliciano Jone Nguenha

Zambézia Provincial Center to Combat HIV/AIDS

Victor Nordez

Lockdown Auth

Julieta Matsimbe Named FGH Clinical Implementation Manager for Quelimane District

ridingkm — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 22:21:53 +0000

Julieta Matsimbe Named FGH Clinical Implementation Manager for Quelimane District ridingkm Fri, 03/24/2017 - 17:21 RSS:

FGH Communications Team (in-country)

Dr. Matsimbe visits a health facility in Quelimane with the team. Photo: Cleofas Viagem

Rui Esmael

“The bigger the challenge, the more opportunities to get things done.” – Dr. Julieta Matsimbe

Julieta Manuela Matsimbe is a 30 year old Mozambican doctor, mother of a three year old boy, and FGH’s new Clinical Implementation Manager for Quelimane District. After beginning her medical career in Nampula Province, and later Maputo, Dr. Matsimbe felt the need for a new professional challenge. She applied for a position with Friends in Global Health (FGH) and in January 2015 she was hired as the Clinical Advisor for Ile District. She led a multi-disciplinary team, supporting the implementation of Avante Zambézia activities in the district. She enjoyed her new work and the rural surroundings:

“I had not worked in a district before. It was a very positive experience, I learned a lot.”

In her new position, in addition to leading the district team, Dr. Matsimbe collaborated with the FGH District Coordinator as well as MoH’s District Medical Chief and District Health Director to collaborate on the implementation of project activities. Clinical mentoring was also a large part of her position. She describes mentoring as “working together with the clinician and building competencies so that the clinician can give the best possible support to the patient.”

During Dr. Matsimbe’s time in Ile she worked to improve the identification of patients in need of second line treatment for HIV. “There were some patients without a good clinical evolution. Clinicians were not trying to look for a second option or an opportunity for the patient, but thanks to the clinical mentoring process, a couple of patients meeting the criteria to initiate second line ART treatment were referred and approved as patients [for second line treatment].”

Continuing with FGH, Dr. Matsimbe later moved to Maganja da Costa, where she contributed to a dramatic increase in retention of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). In Maganja da Costa, she found a very capable district team, which she strengthened further.

“I got everyone involved in the results. I helped everyone to feel empowered and accountable for the results the team would see at the end of the reporting period. Everyone came to understand that his or her contribution is important to reach any kind of results, good or bad. In their own way, team member was committed and took responsibility for the results.”

Dr. Matsimbe says that she has learned a lot from working with FGH. Her knowledge of HIV has increased, not only in the medical sense, but also in learning new approaches to retention and community engagement. She is especially interested in learning more about monitoring and evaluation. She is appreciative of the professional training she has received and of the positive environment created by her colleagues. “Every colleague is very supportive to learn, to teach, and to show the diversity of paths there are to reach the project's goal.”

Eager to expand her career, and "to learn new things, to face new challenges without leaving the technical clinical area,” Dr. Matsimbe recently applied to the position of Clinical Implementation Manager in Quelimane District. Quelimane, the capital of Zambézia province, is a new geographic focus area for FGH under the recently awarded cooperative agreement Avante: Towards Epidemic Control. The efforts of the Clinical Implementation Manager position will focus on working closely with the Clinical Advisors to ensure consistent high quality clinical mentoring and program implementation. She tells us she wants to be sure they are on the same page with regard to reaching programmatic targets. She will also provide support for the coordination and planning process with the Provincial Health Directorate (DPS). “It all starts with good planning and good follow-up of activity plans.”

During the first quarter following the award of Avante: Towards Epidemic Control in September 2016, FGH focused on the transition process, assuming responsibility for supporting health facilities previously supported by International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP). The transition period included a large recruitment effort. FGH hired 126 new personnel in the first quarter, with plans to continue scale-up in the second quarter, to increase capacity in Quelimane district.

Moving from the rural districts to Quelimane will present a new challenge for Dr. Matsimbe. Previously, at the district level, she worked with 12 rural health facilities. Quelimane City is an urban environment, with a much larger population than Ile or Maganja da Costa Districts. “In Quelimane, five or six health facilities represent the patient volume of an entire district. So it is a very large volume, and it is a great challenge.”

She also refers to the lack of space in the health facilities as a potential problem. Because of the larger patient volumes, health facilities in the city are more crowded than those in the districts. She tells us “There is also the fact that existing buildings are made up of rooms that were added one by one, thus, most rooms do not have windows, and there is limited air circulation. Due to the health facilities’ expansion, electricity is also a problem. The electric installation has not been adjusted to the new needs. Work has to be done to improve these things, which we are already doing.”

Dr. Matsimbe is ready to work hard. “The bigger the challenge, the more opportunities to get things done. There is a lot of space for us to make small changes that can make a huge difference. I'm sure with the team we have here we will be able to improve things,” she concludes.

Lockdown Auth

Blog RSS

Friends in Global Health (FGH) actively supports the coverage of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services for adolescents and young adults in Zambézia Province

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Pregnant Women: An effective strategy for achieving elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission

FGH Employee Highlight: Health Counselor Evaristo Ricardo reflects on FGH’s commitment to the LGBTQIA+ Community

VUMC/FGH presented at IAS 2023

Reintegration Campaigns: Restoring Health Services After Cyclone Freddy in Zambézia Province

VUMC/FGH presented at INTEREST 2023

Teenagers in Mozambique Participate in Countrywide COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

VUMC/FGH participated and presented at Jornadas Regionais 2022

VUMC/FGH team presented at INTEREST and AIDS 2022

FGH presented at IAS and Jornadas Nacionais 2021

IAS 2021

Jornadas Nacionais 2021

FGH Presented at INTEREST 2020

FGH Presented at AIDS 2020 and CROI 2020

FGH Presented at IAS 2019

FGH Presented at INTEREST 2019

Friends in Global Health presented at AIDS 2018

FGH presented at 2018 Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde (National Health Days)

Oral Presentations

"Evaluation of Viral Suppression in Community Membership Groups (GAAC) in Zambézia Province, Mozambique" presented by FGH Provincial Clinical Advisor: Fernandes Bilhete​

"Evaluation of the Gender-Based Violence Initiative in 15 Health Facilities in Zambézia" presented by FGH Evaluations Officer: Paula Paulino​

Poster Presentations

"Increasing the Availability of ART Clinical Files in Zambézia Using Quality Improvement Methodology"

"HIV Serodiscordance in Couples that Attend Prenatal Consultation in Zambézia"

"What are the characteristics of adults in ART with Viral Suppression in Zambézia Province?"

"Results of implementation of the Quality Improvement National Guidelines for HIV and AIDS Care in Zambézia"

"Expansion of HIV prevention services for adolescent girls and young women in Zambézia"

Julieta Matsimbe Named FGH Clinical Implementation Manager for Quelimane District

"Evaluation of Viral Suppression in Community Membership Groups (GAAC) in Zambézia Province, Mozambique" presented by FGH Provincial Clinical Advisor: Fernandes Bilhete

"Evaluation of the Gender-Based Violence Initiative in 15 Health Facilities in Zambézia" presented by FGH Evaluations Officer: Paula Paulino