Focused on orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) and their caregivers, ICARE has implemented innovative strategies to improve health outcomes, particularly in the area of HIV care and treatment. Among these strategies, home drug delivery has emerged as a game-changing approach to increasing drug uptake and improving viral load suppression.

Addressing Barriers to HIV Care

The ICARE project, operating in ten districts and one city in East-Central Uganda, is designed to address critical barriers to HIV service access and uptake. These barriers often include issues such as stigma, transportation challenges, and logistical difficulties in maintaining consistent medical appointments. By implementing home drug delivery, ICARE aims to mitigate these barriers and ensure that both OVCs and their caregivers receive the necessary antiretroviral therapy (ART) without interruption.

Home Drug Delivery: A Lifeline for Many

Home drug delivery has proven to be an effective method to improve ART adherence and viral load suppression rates. For many OVCs and their caregivers, traveling to health facilities can be daunting due to financial constraints, distance, and the fear of discrimination. By delivering drugs directly to their homes, ICARE ensures that these individuals can continue their treatment regimens without the added stress of traveling to health facilities.

The precision support model adopted by ICARE includes not only drug delivery but also home-based care that involves follow-up on missed appointments, pre-appointment calls, and temporary home refills. This approach reduces the risk of treatment interruptions, which are common among non-suppressors due to various socio-economic factors.

Impressive Results and Strategic Interventions

The impact of home drug delivery and other innovative strategies under the ICARE project is evident in the impressive viral load suppression rates. The project has achieved a 93% viral load suppression rate among OVCs in the East-Central region, despite facing significant challenges such as high rates of non-suppression in newly transitioned districts.

Expanding Coverage and Enhancing Partnerships

ICARE’s efforts extend beyond immediate health interventions. The project focuses on building sustainable community-led responses and enhancing partnerships with various stakeholders, including clinical partners, economic growth partners, and other civil society organizations. These collaborations are crucial for ensuring a holistic approach to care that addresses not just health, but also economic and social stability.

For instance, ICARE’s partnership with the Mwangaza Foundation has provided solar lamps to more than 100 OVC households, improving educational outcomes by enabling children to study at home after dark. Additionally, financial literacy and enterprise development training have been provided to 396 beneficiaries, promoting economic resilience and stability.

Looking Ahead

As ICARE continues its mission, the focus remains on precision interventions that provide health equity for various sub-populations. The upcoming priorities include scaling up home drug delivery, enhancing mental health integration, and strengthening community engagement to ensure that every OVC and caregiver receives the comprehensive care they need.

MUCOBADI’s ICARE project stands as a testament to the power of innovative, community-driven approaches in overcoming the multifaceted challenges faced by OVCs and their caregivers. Through home drug delivery and a range of supportive interventions, ICARE is not only improving health outcomes but also fostering hope and resilience in some of Uganda’s most vulnerable communities.