Communities in the Great Lakes Region have a reason to smile following the Launch of the Adherence App.
A brainchild of HelpHeal Foundation, the idea of the Adherence App was conceptualized to deal with inconsistent medication among people living with HIV. Out of forgetfulness, missing of appointments and other challenges, clients skipped their medication creating ground for drug resistance and viral replication. It must be remembered that lack of adherence has over the years complicated the fight against AIDS.
With funding from PEPFAR Community Grants, a pilot program to test the Beta version of AdherenceApp was initiated through combined efforts of LakeHub, NewNexus, HelpHeal Foundation, St. Monica, and Port Florence Hospitals.
NewNexus in particular gave the initial financial aid which supported research and provided technical oversight during development of the AdherenceApp. NewNexus in two occasions over the implementation period sent in teams for these purposes.
Attending the launch virtually from The Netherlands, Mr. Rob Willems of NewNexus was highly impressed and heartily congratulated the efforts of the local partners for the successful implementation of the project. This innovation (Adherence App) helps keep hospital appointments organized for easy follow-ups and rescheduling.
Additionally, the App makes it possible for clients to get notified when it is time to take medicine or when next appointment is due. Launched at the Sovereign Hotel – Kisumu-Kenya – the App is an innovation that will step up the fight against HIV/AIDS and contributed to the global call for 95-95-95.
As a mechanism for sustainable use, Lorine Aquino, the Team leader at St. Monica hospital’s HIV Program called upon clients, community health workers and volunteers to own the App and make it relevant in their work.
With high adherence rates, those living positively will achieve undetectable levels of HIV and that means they won’t transmit the virus to their partners. Steady reduction on infection rates is a sure step towards the war against HIV/AIDS.
Purity Akoth of LakeHub said that in line with its open-door policy, LakeHub will continue supporting young people attain technology skills to adapt to the future to be able to contribute and participate in enhancing health, social and business interactions within their communities and the society at large.