By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The U.S. Embassy Freetown Security Cooperation team successfully concluded a five-day training session on the Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) model for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on September 22, 2023 at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown. This transformative initiative aims to streamline HIV services for individuals living with HIV while alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defence HIV and AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), a total of forty Sierra Leonean military personnel, comprising nurses, doctors, and pharmacists, actively participated in this week-long training program.
The DSD training was designed to tailor service delivery methods to cater to the unique requirements of RSLAF HIV patients. Furthermore, the DSD model will facilitate easier access to essential care by enabling drug distribution closer to patients’ residences. This decentralization of drug distribution will significantly reduce the necessity for frequent visits to healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing convenience and adherence to anti-retroviral treatments.
This collaborative training effort was made possible through the joint efforts of facilitators from the Ministry of Health and the National DSD program team. Common challenges such as long distances to treatment facilities, stigma, and limited transportation resources often hinder retention in HIV care programs. The implementation of the DSD model is expected to mitigate these barriers, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for members of the Sierra Leonean military.
