Adhering to long term treatment can be a challenge for people living with communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non adherence could be due to several factors and reasons. Regardless of the reason, adhering to treatment is crucial for their health living. At Partners In Health (PIH) Malawi we developed an innovative model called “TRACE Model” to help people living with chronic conditions to remain in care and adhere to long term treatment. According to Moir Blackson, PIH Malawi HIV and TB Coordinator for lower Neno, the TRACE Model utilizes the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system to identify HIV and NCD clients who have missed their appointments or defaulted treatment in health facilities around Neno district. A list of people who have missed their appointment or defaulted is pulled out of EMR and submitted to the coordinator. The coordinator uses the list for tracking. Upon reaching the facilities, TRACE team checks the Master-Cards of the individuals to determine the reason for their absence. The team updates the verification results in the EMR system and quickly mobilizes the Community Health Workers (CHWs) to start tracing. CHWs follow up individuals who have missed their appointments from two weeks to five weeks, while the TRACE team follows up from six weeks. When a client is being traced and found, he or she is counselled on the importance of taking their medication as prescribed and help them address the unique challenges they are facing as an individual that are hindering their adherence to treatment. Through the TRACE model, PIH Malawi has reduced the number of treatment defaulters leading to healthier lives among people living with chronic conditions in Neno district. ? #PIH #Malawi #HIV #TB #CHW?
