In the bustling halls of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Zone (CHUZ) in Abomey-Calavi, Benin, Dr. Fabrice Etondji stands as a beacon of dedication and transformation. With the warm sun casting a golden glow on the medical center, Dr. Etondji reflects on his remarkable year of service with the HIV unit at the CHUZ Calavi, thanks to PEPFAR’s (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and USAID support.
Dr. Etondji, a compassionate general practitioner, began his journey at CHUZ Calavi's HIV unit just one year ago in November 2022. His personal connection to the HIV epidemic, having witnessed its toll on his community in Abomey Calavi, fueled his commitment to make a difference.
When Dr. Etondji started, CHUZ Calavi faced significant challenges in providing care to HIV patients. Some, like a male patient in his forties initiated at the latent phase of the disease, struggled to access healthcare due to a lack of financial resources. Dr. Etondji's team promptly reached out, even tracking down the patient through community mediators, and discovered that he could not afford transportation fare. Thanks to PEPFAR's support, they could provide financial assistance, ensuring his transportation to the healthcare center for regular treatment, which resulted in substantial improvement in the patient's health status.
PEPFAR's involvement has been instrumental in improving the quality of care at CHUZ Calavi. The program helped implement strategies for HIV differentiated prevention, testing, care and treatment services such as targeted screening, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV self-testing, index testing, and support for patients experiencing treatment interruptions. The program also continues to explore ways to optimize HIV case finding among children, key populations, and adult men, and reinforce continuity of treatment. Their efforts have significantly increased patient retention rates and improved viral load suppression, approaching the objectives set by UNAIDS.
PEPFAR's positive impact on the community is undeniable and I can only ask for more resources to be able to help more patients.
Moreover, PEPFAR's financial support has enabled CHUZ Calavi to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics, adequate viral load sample processing, as well as essential medications that were previously in short supply. The reorganization of services and human resources for health has led to a substantial reduction in waiting times and an increase in the number of patients receiving consistent care.
The impact of PEPFAR goes beyond the clinic. Dr. Etondji and his colleagues actively engage with the community through awareness campaigns and active case-finding initiatives. Patients themselves play a crucial role, discussing their treatments and experiences, which has even led to the identification of gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Etondji emphasizes the importance of a well-organized healthcare site and recognizing areas for improvement. PEPFAR's support has enabled more efficient testing and improved patient interactions, including individualized case management and enhanced communication through support cells.
Looking ahead, Dr. Etondji sees room for further improvement. He envisions mechanisms for free treatment for other infections related to HIV and ensuring patient anonymity in administrative processes.
Dr. Fabrice Etondji's one-year journey with the HIV unit at CHUZ Calavi, supported by PEPFAR and USAID, is a testament to the transformative impact of the program. His brief yet impactful tenure so far, demonstrates the change that is possible when compassion, dedication, and PEPFAR's support meet.
As Dr. Etondji continues his mission at CHUZ Calavi, the future holds promise. His story serves as a reminder that even in a short span, significant strides can be made in the fight against HIV, and every day counts in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable world for the people of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, and beyond.
*Note: All photographs were taken with the consent of individuals involved, respecting their privacy and the sensitive nature of healthcare.*