Londiani Sub-county Hospital Leading the Way to a HIV-Free Generation.

Kipkelion Sub-county, located in Kericho County, is a beacon of hope shining brightly amidst the challenges of HIV and AIDS. At Londiani Sub-county Hospital, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the fight against HIV, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Healthcare For Generations (HFG), in collaboration with the County Government of Kericho MOH with funding from Global Fund through the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).

Since the initiation of the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Cycle, a kind of treatment that involves taking a combination of drugs that specifically target HIV to suppress its replication in the body, thereby slowing down the progression of the disease, the hospital faced significant hurdles. This included many defaulters, high Viral Load, low suppression rate and low coverage. However, since 2021, a tide of change swept through the facility, bringing with it innovative solutions and unwavering commitment.

Figure: Margaret Wanjiku Njuguna, a trained paralegal working in Kipkelion Sub-County

“I started working with HFG in the year 2022. I was trained in Nyamira as a Paralegal…I have since been working as a paralegal helping people especially those living with HIV.”
Remarks Margaret Wanjiku Njuguna, a trained paralegal
under the GF – KRCS project.

Figure: Ngicho, clinician at the Londiani Sub-County Hospital

“In 2021, we had 778 clients and our viral load suppression was around 92% that is below 95% which is the national
target…Viral load coverage was also very low at 82%.”
Remarks Ngicho, a clinician at Londiani Sub-County
Hospital

One of the key strategies employed by HFG was the
recruitment of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs),
strategically attached to the facility. These volunteers serve as a vital link between the hospital and the community, ensuring that individuals receive the support and care they
need to adhere to their treatment regimens.

Additionally, recognizing the complex intersection of HIV
and AIDS and gender-based violence (GBV), HFG took
proactive measures by training a staff member to serve as a paralegal. This initiative has provided crucial assistance to individuals facing GBV, empowering them to seek justice and support in a safe and confidential environment.

The impact of these interventions has been nothing short of extraordinary. Retention rates have soared to above 97%, with the majority of clients consistently attending their appointments. Even those who falter in their adherence are promptly traced and brought back into care, ensuring continuity of treatment.

Moreover, viral load suppression rates have reached an impressive 97%, surpassing national targets and signaling a significant step towards controlling the spread of HIV within the community. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the collaborative efforts spearheaded by HFG in collaboration with the Kericho County MOH with
funding from GF through KRCS.

Beyond medical interventions, the hospital has also fostered a supportive environment through the establishment of various support groups. Particularly impactful are the groups for mothers of reproductive age, that is, 14 to 49 years old, who meet weekly to share experiences, reduce stigma, and promote health-seeking behaviors.

As a result, there has been a noticeable shift in community attitudes towards HIV, with more individuals seeking
treatment and support. The ripple effect of these efforts is profound, as healthier individuals contribute to the overall well-being of society, paving the way for a brighter future.

However, challenges persist, chief among them being the
lingering stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. While
progress has been made, it is acknowledged that stigma
cannot be eradicated overnight. Continued support groups and targeted interventions are essential in dismantling these barriers and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people living with HIV. Looking ahead, there is a call for greater inclusivity, particularly in the form of male-only support groups to address the unique health-seeking behaviors of men

The principle of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)
serves as a beacon of hope, underscoring the transformative power of effective treatment. As viral load suppression becomes the norm, the vision of a healthy society where HIV transmission is virtually eliminated comes into sharper focus.

Notably, the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
(PMTCT) program has achieved remarkable success, with
retention rates nearing 100% and viral load suppression at
an impressive 98%. Through timely interventions and
comprehensive care since 2021, the hospital has prevented
any child from acquiring HIV from their parent, a milestone
worth celebrating.

In 2021, Londiani Sub-county Hospital served 778 clients grappling with the challenges of HIV and AIDS. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has risen to 925. Among these clients, an impressive 875 are classified as stable or established clients, benefiting from differentiated care
where they receive their medication every six months.

This significant uptick in clientele underscores not only the growing demand for HIV and AIDS services but also the proactive interventions and comprehensive support
provided by HFG with funding from Global Fund through
KRCS, which significantly contributed to building trust within the community and raising awareness about the availability of HIV and AIDS services at the hospital.

“We want to thank HFG, KRCS and GF for coming into our facility to address most of the issues that have been a challenge since 2006 and in this short period of three years, we have seen lots of changes. We hope we will continue with the same in the coming years…” Says Ngicho, clinician at the
Londiani Sub-County Hospital.

Londiani Sub-county Hospital stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative effort, innovation, and unwavering dedication. As we continue our journey towards a HIV-free generation, let us draw inspiration from the successes of Londiani, knowing that together, we can turn the tide against this formidable adversary and build a healthier, more resilient future generation.