Partnering with existing CHWs to
assist with client tracing

Home-based tracing of patients can be difficult, especially in large catchment areas or where travel to communities is challenging. To address this issue, Tingathe decided to partner with existing HSAs at the health facility to help them. HSAs are the Ministry of Health’s community health provider cadre who work exclusively within their communities for the majority of the working week. After providing them with an abbreviated one-day training on HIV basics, the importance of adherence and how to conduct a home visit, HSAs were able to assist with patient tracing and follow-up. Additionally, since HSAs were already recognized within their communities for targeting an array of health issues, HIV stigma and confidentiality were less of an issue for them than CHWs who were known for HIV-related activities only.

CHWs use bicycles to improve their reach to communities