This project aligns with the regional strategies to integrate responses to HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria at governance, health system, and service delivery levels through multisectoral coordination. It aims to enhance service quality and accessibility by strengthening health systems, training healthcare staff, improving community-based services, fostering community engagement.
Context
To improve the response to the three pandemics, the Global Fund recommends initiatives that include HIV, TB, and malaria services into the country’s essential care package, promotes integrated approaches for governance and financing, and calls for the improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of investments in vertical programs. This SHAPE LAOS project seeks to work with the Department of Communicable Disease Control, Department of Health Personnel, Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, the national centres for three diseases and a community-based organization (CBO).
Description
SHAPE LAOS project seeks to foster horizontal integration within the Ministry of Health, while enhancing collaboration with Community Health Workers (CHWs) by:
- Integrating CHWs into Health Personnel Information Management system to health workforce management and improving service delivery,
- Integrating psychosocial support for individuals with HIV, and TB at health facility level and outreach,
- Integrating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria into maternal and child health services through village health volunteers and community outreach workers,
- Delivering targeted training across all public health levels, making sure that Bokeo province improves access to quality services for HIV, TB, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and mental health,
- Setting up a community drop-in centre in the province using a “one stop shop strategy” to deliver essential services to HIV key population, marginalized populations and youth.
Impact
The project will enhance integrated, decentralized, and people-centered primary health care delivery for HIV, TB, and malaria in Bokeo, Lao PDR. By strengthening horizontal disease management, integrating CHWs into the health workforce, and involving communities in service monitoring, the project will contribute to better health outcomes, increased service coverage, and more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable healthcare delivery.
