In Sokoto state, the concerted effort of HSCL ACE 3 project to increase HIV testing among pediatric children has yielded remarkable results. The strategy involved leveraging Primary Health Care (PHC) centers that also function as Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centers during the distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to malnourished children. The initiative aimed to identify children living with HIV and link them to care, addressing the dual burden of malnutrition and HIV.
Recognizing that malnourished children are often at higher risk for various infections, including HIV, health workers at PHC/CMAM centers were supported to incorporate HIV testing as part of the routine health services offered during RUTF distribution. This approach was designed to seamlessly integrate HIV testing into existing services, making it accessible and less stigmatizing for families.
During the implementation of this strategy, 4 children were identified as HIV-positive. Following this discovery, a deep dive was conducted to test the parents of these children. Remarkably, the parents of these 4 children were also found to be HIV-positive. This chain of testing not only helped identify the children but also led to the diagnosis of their parents, all of whom were successfully linked to HIV care and treatment services. This integrated approach significantly increased the HIV testing coverage and positivity yield among pediatric children in the region.
By leveraging existing health services like the distribution of RUTF at CMAM centers, the program was able to reach vulnerable children and their families who might otherwise have remained undiagnosed.
The success of this strategy in Sokoto highlights the importance of integrated health services in increasing HIV testing and identifying undiagnosed cases. The program was able to reach at-risk children and their families through the CMAM centers, providing them with the care they need. This approach serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges and underscores the critical role of community-based health services in combating HIV.
