Pandemic Lessons or What Reality Taught Us

We have radically changed the work format to maximize the safety of the team and the people we support since May 1. First of all, we realized distant work, and we provide consultations for clients online or by phone. To a certain extent, we had a head start of 1 month, so we planned the transition to such mode. We also identify problems and needs, redirect and accompany clients in difficult cases to friendly doctors. If it is necessary, we make home visits and, taking into consideration the situation, we hand out consumables in larger quantities (syringes, personal hygiene products and the necessary medicines). Of course, difficult times will pass, but human lives are at stake. Despite everything, we will continue to support people who need our services and provide all possible assistance.
Uktam Akilov POS coordinator, Public organization "SPIN plus", Dushanbe

Task

The first reported cases of COVID-19 became known on April 30 in Tajikistan. Indeed, to a certain extent, we had a head start of 1 month. Within this time, we studied the experience of neighboring countries, negotiated with doctors and planned our work in emergency mode.

Current issues are such in our country the demand for access to symptomatic therapy, means of protection and food packages has grown. The ability and need for movement are limited, incomes have fallen, and customers need the bare essentials.

We understood that there is a necessity to create new types of information and educational materials in the format of mobile applications with listing / mapping of places where you can get help with HIV and related problems. Up-to-date information was also needed for those who did not have access to the Internet and / or to do it by telephone.

Solution

So, we coordinated the work of the SPIN Plus team, taking into consideration the needs of community representatives and in constant interaction with the Republican and city centers for HIV prevention.

Firstly, we provided our staff with all the necessary means of protection and prevention in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (mask regimen, maintaining distance, constant sanitation, etc.).

Secondly, we collected data and prepared basic information materials (leaflets and booklets), which will not lose their relevance, for distribution to customers. The recommendations regarding telephone counseling have also been updated. In addition, we coordinated work with the Republican Hotline to process requests on our profile and provide promptly support to people who will need our help.

The main focus of the work is to maintain adherence to ART: home delivery of ART, counseling on taking medications and the use of symptomatic therapy. Delivery of ART is agreed with AIDS Center doctors. If it is necessary, we connect clients with doctors by phone, Skype or other convenient online method. We took over all the main communication and support organization in this format – SPIN Plus employees are on call 24/7. In the first 10 days of quarantine, we saw that current service was quite demanding in Tajikistan.

Outreach work focuses on transferring at issuing station or delivering disposable tools for PWID. Each communication with customers, our employees talk about the basics of providing assistance in connection with the pandemic, where to go, when you have changes in the health condition and what to do first.

Result

In May, we have already assisted more than 100 people. People who can rely on our help for 100%.