Monday, October 2, 2023
10/2/2023
Uganda’s overall HIV prevalence is 6.2% (7.6% females and 4.7% males), and has had new HIV infections decline by 42% and AIDS-related deaths by 59% between 2010 and 2018. Of the total estimated 1.4 million PLHIV, 84% know their status, 72% are on treatment and 64% are virally suppressed. FBOs/PNFPs continue to be key players in the provision of integrated TB/HIV services in Uganda particularly in hard to reach areas where efforts to maximize HIV case finding, retention and adherence are challenged. Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau currently provides TB/HIV treatment to over 63,497 in Uganda and 42,359 in the CDC regions of Rwenzori, Mubende and Soroti through the Inter Bureau Coalition (IBC). UPMB and other FBOs/PNFPs continue to experience gaps that impede efforts to effectively contribute to the HIV response including weak Leadership and Governance, poor financial and Human Resources Management systems; weak coordination at National, Regional, District and Community Levels, low optimization of PNFP structures to support TB/HIV case identification, adherence and retention, inadequate integration of QI in service delivery, and low data utilization. To Spur UPMB and other FBOs/PNFPs capacity to implement a sustained HIV response, UPMB proposes to implement a project, code named “Engaging FBOs/CSOs/PNFPs and Communities to Support and Sustain HIV Epidemic control in Uganda (e-FACE) Project. Project Purpose: Strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of FBOs/CBOs/PNFPs to deliver sustained HIV/TB services by the 2025. Expected Outcomes: The project is expected to increase ability of FBOs/CSOs and PNFPs to plan, implement, coordinate and monitor the HIV/TB response; Improve quality of patient services; Increase demand and access to HIV and TB prevention and care services; Reduce HIV/TB Incidence Rates and HIV/TB related mortality; and Reduce HIV transmission across population sub categories. Project Approach: UPMB’s approach will strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of FBOs/CBOs/PNFPs to deliver evidence-based, data driven, government aligned, flexible and responsive HIV/TB services focusing on hard-to-reach populations. The project will use client led and patient centred approaches, and offer integrated, inclusive and tailored services to attain high impact outcomes among children, adolescents and youths, men and KP/PPs. The proposed strategies aim to optimize HIV testing and treatment to reach undiagnosed populations living with HIV, including children, adolescents, young women, men and key populations, as well optimize adherence and retention to attain high impact and epidemic control. The project will also focus on strengthening governance and leadership, finance, HRM and M&E systems of FBOs/PNFPs to sustain delivery of HIV/TB services. The project will leverage resources and technical expertise from Baylor Uganda on pediatric and adolescent HIV care, and IMA World Health on FBO/PNFP institutional strengthening, and other PEPFAR partners to ensure continuity and smooth transition of HIV+ patients in care. Strong coordination will be promoted within the FBO/PNFP network through the IBC and line ministries including the Ministry of Health to ensure harmonization and alignment with national plans and policies. Project management: UPMB proposed management structure comprises indigenous Ugandans with edge-cutting experience in implementing HIV/TB activities target areas. The project management team led by the Principal Investigator (PI) will be supported by highly technical experts at national and regional levels, purposely selected with the right mix of skills to deliver project strategies and activities. The proposed regional/cluster based structure (2 regional offices - Ruwenzori and Kampala and 2 clusters -Soroti and West Nile), responds to geographical and service volume needs based on UPMB’s current experience in overseeing HIV service delivery among PNFPs in Ruwenzori, Mubende and Soroti regions.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
