Beyond Siloed Care – Strengthening the Integration of HIV, TB and NCD Services for People Living with HIV within Community and Local Health Systems

Project Description

In Kenya, many people living with HIV also face other health conditions, including tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. Despite significant progress in the fight against HIV, health services often remain fragmented: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for different conditions are frequently provided through separate services and facilities, making access to care more difficult and affecting continuity of treatment.

Beyond Siloed Care was created to help overcome this fragmentation by promoting an integrated, people-centred model of care. The project will be implemented in the counties of Nairobi, Meru and Tharaka-Nithi, strengthening the connection between communities and health facilities and improving the capacity of health centres to provide coordinated services for HIV, tuberculosis and chronic diseases.

The initiative combines capacity building for healthcare and community workers, improved diagnostic services, the promotion of integrated models of care and community awareness activities. Particular attention will be given to the most vulnerable groups, including adolescents and young women, older people and persons with disabilities.

Objective

To improve access to and quality of healthcare services for people living with HIV in the counties of Nairobi, Meru and Tharaka-Nithi through:

• the integration of HIV, tuberculosis and non-communicable disease services;
• strengthening the skills and capacities of healthcare workers and community health workers;
• improving systems for diagnosis, patient management and continuity of care;
• promoting the active involvement of communities in prevention, awareness-raising and service monitoring.

Main Activities

1. Strengthening Community Systems

The project works closely with local communities to promote prevention, facilitate access to healthcare services and support the most vulnerable people. Community health workers and local leaders will receive training and play an important role in health education, patient support and strengthening the link between communities and health facilities.

2. Strengthening the Capacity of Healthcare Workers

Doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals will take part in training activities aimed at improving their skills in the integrated management of HIV, tuberculosis and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The goal is to provide more effective, people-centred care.

3. Strengthening Integrated Services in Health Facilities

The project will support health centres in improving diagnosis, monitoring and patient care. People living with HIV will have easier access to integrated services for HIV, tuberculosis and chronic diseases, reducing travel, waiting times and barriers to care.

4. Operational Research and Knowledge Sharing

Research activities will be carried out to collect data and experiences and assess the effectiveness of the integrated care models developed through the project. Findings will be shared with health institutions and partners to encourage the adoption of good practices and contribute to strengthening Kenya’s health system.

This project is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).