I-TECH India NewsBuzz April 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in ARV supply to PLHIV at the ART Centre. I-TECH India is closely working with the government and non- government partners for planning interventions for ensuring uninterrupted ARV supply to the (PLHIV) in the state of Maharashtra and the North-eastern states of Mizoram, Manipur & Nagaland.
This includes continuous analysis of the ART Centre data for planning decentralised ARV supply, reaching out to the PLHIV telephonically informing them on the provision of ARV at nearby locations, home delivery of ARV to PLHIV who cannot not reach the ART Centres, provision of PPE kits to the ARTCs, support transportation for ARV delivery etc. I-TECH India also facilitated web-based Distance Learning Seminars for the healthcare professionals at the HIV service facilities across India providing updates and knowledge on prevention & management of COVID-19.
Many of the PLHIV in Mumbai and periphery had migrated to their native place, within & outside the state of Maharashtra, due to the fear of COVID-19. A “mass SMS Campaign” in vernacular language was undertaken through the IVR System, ART Mitra, developed in collaboration with the Mumbai Districts AIDS Control Society. “Mitra” means a friend. The ART Mitra technology helped in making ARV available to the PLHIV at health & community-based facilities nearest to their current locations. This user-friendly system has not only helped to reach to the PLHIVs but also helped as a tool for planning newer refill sites in the state.