Neftaly: Strengthening Equitable Access to Quality HIV Counselling, Testing, Care, Treatment, and Support Services for All
Overview
Access to comprehensive and inclusive HIV services is critical to controlling the HIV epidemic and ensuring that no one is left behind. Yet, many individuals—especially those from marginalized or stigmatized groups—continue to face barriers to receiving timely, respectful, and high-quality HIV care. Neftaly is committed to strengthening and expanding equitable access to HIV counselling, testing, treatment, care, and support services for all people, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Goal
To ensure that every person has access to confidential, non-discriminatory, and high-quality HIV services that meet their unique needs and uphold their dignity and rights.
Strategic Objectives
1. Expand Inclusive and Accessible HIV Counselling and Testing Services
- Scale up community-based, mobile, and self-testing options to reach underserved populations.
- Ensure confidentiality, informed consent, and pre- and post-test counselling as standard practice.
- Train providers to deliver HIV testing services in a non-judgmental, gender-sensitive, and inclusive manner.
- Integrate HIV testing into routine health services including sexual and reproductive health, TB, and maternal care.
2. Improve Linkage to Care and Treatment
- Strengthen systems to ensure immediate and effective linkage from HIV diagnosis to treatment initiation.
- Implement peer navigation and case management approaches to support people through the continuum of care.
- Reduce waiting times and bureaucratic barriers to starting antiretroviral therapy (ART).
3. Provide Comprehensive, Lifelong HIV Treatment and Care
- Ensure consistent availability of high-quality antiretroviral drugs and routine monitoring services.
- Deliver patient-centered care that addresses physical, mental, and psychosocial needs.
- Strengthen differentiated service delivery models to better serve key populations, adolescents, the elderly, and people with co-morbidities.
4. Offer Holistic Support Services
- Provide psychosocial support, adherence counselling, and community-based follow-up to promote retention in care.
- Address social determinants of health by linking clients to services such as housing, nutrition, legal aid, and mental health support.
- Facilitate support groups and community networks to reduce stigma and improve quality of life.
5. Eliminate Discrimination and Promote Equity
- Train health workers in non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, and human rights-based approaches to care.
- Implement client feedback mechanisms to hold providers accountable and improve service quality.
- Advocate for policy reforms that remove legal and social barriers to HIV services for marginalized groups.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased uptake of HIV counselling and testing across all population groups.
- Improved rates of early diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment initiation.
- Higher levels of retention in care and viral suppression.
- Reduced stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings.
- More equitable access to HIV services regardless of identity or background.
Conclusion
Neftaly is dedicated to building a healthcare environment where everyone—regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation—can access the HIV services they need with dignity, respect, and support. By strengthening systems, training providers, and centering communities, we can close the gaps and move closer to achieving health equity and ending the HIV epidemic.