Learning is growing. What have we learned during our CaSIPO’s journey? A view from the Capricorn District!

Pretoria was the location as field staff that have been part of HPCA’s CaSIPO Project shared their experiences working in the project and more importantly the lessons learned. We heard from District teams that represented: eThekwini, Ugu, King Cetshwayo, Thabo Mofutsanyane, Alfred Nzo, Capricorn, Mopani, Johannesburg Health District, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, City of Cape Town, Sedibeng, Tshwane, Gert Sibande, Ehlanzeni, Nkangala & NITAs.

In this 8-part blog series we will be highlighting each district and hear first-hand the individual lessons learned for future activities. Today we highlight Capricorn District (Limpopo) and the success that came out of that district and as mentioned before the lessons learnt for future efforts.

Where we worked

Below is a graphic of the Capricorn District whereby CaSIPO worked in 5 sub-districts and supported 23 CBOs (Community Based Organisations) and 27 facilities.

Challenges experienced and how they were overcome

Each district faced unique challenges and in the Capricorn district this was no different. However, each team always had a solution to every challenge encountered.

Some of the challenges are below:

Inadequate support from some of the facility Managers and limited involvement of program managers. This was overcome by Liaising with DoH (Department of Health) and hosting in-service trainings at facility level as well as conducting road shows with all relevant stake holders involved.

Slow progression in reaching targets as there were no ACs (Adherence Clubs) in the facilities. This was overcome by working together with DSP (District support partner) on cohorting of patients and formation of Adherence clubs assisted in the decanting of community adherence clubs.

Withdrawal of CBO funding brought confusion and community clubs mismanaged. This was overcome by the introduction of WBOT model which assisted in sustaining the community adherence clubs!

Learning is growing. What have we learned during our CaSIPO’s journey?

Collaborative relationships with all the stakeholders go a long way.
Drawing strength from others (e.g. CHWs, CBO managers).
The value of teamwork
Quality of interventions (Club assessments, UCI audits and ACRC).
Involvement of community gate keepers (clinic committees, ward councillors, Indunas).
Adherence guidelines are an effective tool for establishment of adherence clubs.
Champions leading the process!

The impact CaSIPO has made in Capricorn District and why we are so proud!

Exceeding the target that was set for the district!
We inspired ACFs to provide quality comprehensive AC services.
Uniqueness and we received a compliment saying: “The way you train AGL and ACF has not been done before in the province before and we are extremely impressed and grateful” Ms. Malepe – Assistant Director RTC.
Positive outcomes of SIMS re-assessments in the district (moving from red and yellow to light – green and green)
Our level of professionalism and sound working relationship with District Department of Health.
Empowering & changing lives of patients in the communities that we live in!
Aa the district we are proud of the Award received from the National office.