The County Government of Uasin Gishu in partnership with USAID Ampath Uzima on Monday deliberated on enhancing HIV service delivery by introducing a differentiated community pharmacy service delivery model.

The model aims at revolutionising how HIV services are provided by ensuring that they are client-centred and responsive to community needs.

Speaking during the County Health Management team sensitization exercise, Director of Health Services Dr Evans Kiprotich noted that differentiated service delivery focuses on simplifying and adapting HIV care, making it more accessible while optimizing health system resources.

“This approach is not just about providing medicine but it’s about understanding the unique dynamics of our community and meeting people where they are,” said Dr. Kiprotich.

Dr Kiprotich also added that with the adoption of community pharmacies, clients will conveniently refill Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and receive essential medications for opportunistic infections.

“Community pharmacies will offer a range of vital services, including distribution of HIV prevention commodities such as test kits, PrEP, PEP, and condoms, as well as TB screenings and referrals for further health services,” said Dr Kiprotich.

On his part, County Ampath Coordinator Reuben Kipsang emphasized that the model aims to foster better referrals and enhance resource sharing among health providers, ultimately leading to improved interactions between clients and their health care providers.

He said “By streamlining processes and bolstering community engagement, we are creating a health system that is more supportive and attuned to the needs of our residents.

Community pharmacies aim to strengthen referral and resource-sharing mechanisms between the public and private sectors, expand the coverage of services to populations that remain unreachable at the same time improve follow-up, tracking and record-keeping for the generation of HIV data.