Technical Brief: Improving Retention in HIV Treatment Programs in Nigeria – The STRIDE Strategy

Technical Brief: Improving Retention in HIV Treatment Programs in Nigeria – The STRIDE Strategy

The Prevention and Organizational Systems – AIDS Care and Treatment (Pro-ACT) project is a seven-year project (2009-2016) funded by USAID and implemented by MSH in five Nigerian states: Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Pro-ACT strengthens the capacity of Nigeria’s public, private, and community sectors for sustainable HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, control, care and treatment integrated within the health system.

Despite the expansion of HIV treatment services and improvements in coverage, data indicate that people living with HIV often encounter multiple barriers to remain in HIV care and treatment programs. Pro-ACT worked with facility-based multidiciplinary teams to develop, deploy, and implement five innovative approaches and tools that comprise the STRIDE strategy. To improve retention, STRIDE addresses key system barriers, including patient tracking and adherence support counseling for ART clients.