By Maimuna Sey-Jawo
The Gambia Network of AIDs Support Societies, GAMNASS, and the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition West Africa (TPC WA) in collaboration with Global Fund currently responding through mobilizing PLHIV network to improve the programmatic interventions of the warning system has commenced a 4 days training of 35 Community Treatment Observatories which include 12 data collectors 23 CCGs on HIV treatment activities.
The objective of the project funded by the Global Fund is to strengthen the capacities of Treatment Activists on the management of the ARV Supply chain and techniques, reinforce the strategic information on services delivery, reinforce the leadership of PLHIV to influence HIV treatment , care and supply policies and protocols- treatment access advocacy.
The forum is currently taking place at the CIAM conference hall in Kanifing from the 11th to 14th – July 2017.
According to the officials, the 4 Days training is expected to building the capacities of 35 Community Treatment Observatories and enable them establish and operate a community treatment observatories.
In his welcoming address, the President of The Gambia Network of AIDS Support Societies GAMNASS Mr. Ebrima Sarr said the network has been working with the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition West Africa ITPC to achieve its intended aims and objectives although with minima resource to conduct its activities.
“As an umbrella organization GAMNASS builds the capacities of its 11 member organizations to provide care and support service to PLHIV and hope for a world in which communities access basic preventive services and quality treatment for PLHIVs is guaranteed,” he stated further.
In his presentation the Program Manager GAMNASS Samba Sey emphasised on the significance of the training, noting that it will help to improve the knowledge and skills of data collectors in treatment.
Mr. Sey expressed expectation that after the 4 days training the data collectors will have the knowledge to confidently engage in discussions about the science of HIV, and HIV treatment, and prevention.
“HIV can be transmitted through a personal body fluids, blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk,” Sey explained further.
For her part, Alimatou Jallow HIV treatment coordinator from the National Aids Control Programme also made a lengthy presentation on the science of HIV treatment, its treatment and WHO guidelines.
According to Alimatou there is no cure but the virus is treatable with ARVs.
