The U.S Ambassador in Mozambique, Dean Pittman, on August 18, 2016, visited the PEPFAR/USAID-supported “Primeiro de Maio” Health Center in Chimoio, Manica Province.
The facility links directly with community efforts to better streamline HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services. During the visit, Pittman reaffirmed the U.S Government commitment to save lives by supporting the National HIV/AIDS Program.
Chimoio is one of five provincial/district capitals to receive immediate support under the Government’s phased roll-out of ‘Test and Start’ that began in August. This will provide immediate treatment to anyone testing positive for HIV.
Clinical and Community HIV/AIDS Services Strengthening (CHASS)
CHASS is a three-year, $109 million USAID-funded project intended to improve the quality, coverage, and effectiveness of high-impact, evidence-based HIV/AIDS interventions in 58 districts in Sofala, Manica, Tete and Niassa provinces.
The project began in August 2015 and is being implemented by a consortium led by FHI 360, with the goal of improving. CHASS will contribute to improving the health status of those with HIV and will contribute to efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.
Early results show that CHASS is on course to achieving its objectives. By the end of Jun, 2016, CHASS had supported 625,433 individuals in receiving Counseling and Testing services for HIV. 43,876 new adults and children with advanced HIV infection had started anti-retroviral treatment. Additionally, 316,342 pregnant women had received HIV testing and counseling, and on average, 90% of HIV-positive pregnant women were receiving antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of mother-to-child-transmission.
CHASS also supports 12 civil society organizations to mobilize and sensitize communities so as to create demand for integrated HIV/AIDS services, improve retention in care and treatment and enhance referrals and linkages between health facilities and communities.
“Primeiro de Maio” Health Center
“Primeiro de Maio” Health Center is one of five health facilities in Chimoio.
The health center provides “primary health care” services including adult and pediatric HIV care and treatment. Additional services supported by CHASS include HIV counseling and testing, prevention of mother to child transmission, TB/HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis, gender-based violence services, pharmacy, laboratory, and community mobilization services. There are 6833 people currently on anti-retroviral treatment at this health center.
