Page 15 - 5-Windhoek (11 April 2024)(SESSION 2) Graduation e-BOOK

School of Nursing & Public Health
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES &
VETERINARY MEDICINE

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN PUBLIC HEALTH
CANDIDATE:
JONAS Anna

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION

EVALUATION OF HIV TEST AND TREAT STRATEGY
IN WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA: DEVELOPMENT OF AN
OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK
The doctoral study was undertaken and completed under the
supervision of Dr. Linda Ndeshipanda Lukolo as the main supervisor
and Prof. Honoré Kabwebwe Mitonga as the Co-supervisor, both from
the University of Namibia.

The study aimed to develop an operational framework based on the
assessment and identification of pitfalls in the current HIV Test and Treat
strategy implemented in Windhoek, Namibia. While there is a sound
HIV Test and Treat strategy, the implementation thereof is hindered by
insufficient healthcare workers, as well as a lack of space, medicine,
and training for the Healthcare Workers.

This study is the first evaluation of the strategy to be conducted in
Windhoek and it provides baseline information for future studies. The
findings enable health care workers, policymakers and program
managers to gain a wider understanding of the current situation of
the HIV Test and Treat strategy implementation and it could persuade
relevant stakeholders to create a conducive environment for the
patients and health care workers, to improve quality care and guide
future policies on HIV Test and Treat implementation.

Based on the findings, an operational framework was developed
using a novel approach in order to improve the implementation of
the HIV Test and Treat strategy. Additionally, guidelines and a pictorial
standard operating procedure (SOP) to direct the implementation of
the HIV Test and Treat Framework with clear roles and responsibilities
of key stakeholders were developed for utilization as a reference
document at the facility level.

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