Fiscal Year 2018 Quarter 1 Performance Report: Integrated HIV/AIDS Project in Haut Katanga and Lualaba

The project aims to improve access to comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in Haut Katanga and Lualaba provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 (October 1 through December 31, 2017), IHAP-HK/L achieved significant milestones in expanding access to HIV services. A total of 106 facilities in Haut Katanga and 471 facilities in Lualaba provided comprehensive HIV testing, care, and treatment services. The project also provided financial and technical support to three nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to offer community-based HIV testing, care, and treatment services, making HIV services more accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), their partners, and family members. The project's testing efforts yielded significant results, with 61,440 individuals tested and informed of their serologic status during the quarter. Among those tested, 2,200 individuals were found to be HIV positive, representing a yield of 3.6%. Additionally, 93% of the 15,453 pregnant women received at antenatal care or labor and delivery wards from October through December knew their HIV status, either through prior knowledge or testing and counseling. IHAP-HK/L's efforts to improve access to HIV services are multifaceted. The project is working to increase the availability of comprehensive HIV prevention services, expand comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment services, improve integration of HIV/TB services, and expand network and referral systems for other health and social services. The project is also strengthening health systems to improve access to services and outcomes for PLHIV. The project's approach to improving access to HIV services is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the needs of PLHIV and their families. IHAP-HK/L is working to address the social and economic determinants of health that contribute to HIV vulnerability, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare services. By addressing these underlying factors, the project aims to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in Haut Katanga and Lualaba provinces and improve the overall health and well-being of the population. IHAP-HK/L's progress in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 is a testament to the project's commitment to improving access to comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in Haut Katanga and Lualaba provinces. The project's achievements in expanding access to HIV services, improving testing rates, and strengthening health systems will have a lasting impact on the lives of PLHIV and their families in the region.