Ragon Institute Enhancing HIV and TB Care in South Africa
The Integration of TB in Education and Care for HIV/AIDS (ITEACH) program has been transforming healthcare delivery in South Africa since 2005. Based at Edendale Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, ITEACH partners with local health departments, traditional Zulu healers, and community stakeholders to improve access to HIV and TB treatment and prevention. The program also provides crucial healthcare training and has played a vital role in COVID-19 education efforts, leveraging its established relationships to provide culturally informed public health education.
About
ITEACH aims to reduce the burden of HIV and TB in KwaZulu-Natal, where the HIV prevalence rate is 17.8% and TB remains one of the deadliest diseases for people with AIDS. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers, ITEACH offers site visits, in-service training, file management assistance, and clinical management of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). A key component of ITEACH’s strategy is its collaboration with traditional Zulu healers, who play a vital role in reaching patients that may not seek conventional medical care. ITEACH provides training to these healers, helping them integrate modern prevention methods like PrEP and ARV adherence into their care practices, making them essential partners in the fight against HIV and TB.
Community
ITEACH also deploys “Treatment Warriors” — trained counselors who collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and support. By working closely with local stakeholders, ITEACH improves the integration of HIV and TB services into communities and has a long-standing commitment to addressing public health challenges where they are most critical.
Culturally Informed HIV and TB Care
ITEACH takes a culturally integrated approach to healthcare by partnering with traditional Zulu healers. Traditional healers are trusted caregivers for over 27 million South Africans, making them invaluable partners in healthcare outreach. Recognizing this, ITEACH has trained over 200 healers to date, teaching them about HIV and TB prevention and treatment. This culturally integrated approach ensures that patients receive both the traditional care they value and the medical interventions they need. These healers have also become key figures in COVID-19 outreach, disseminating essential information about social distancing, testing, and vaccination in rural areas.
Impact
Expanding Access to HIV and TB Care
ITEACH has improved access to HIV and TB treatment in the KwaZulu-Natal region, particularly for underserved communities. By working directly with clinics and local health workers, the program has helped reduce the time between diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients receive timely, life-saving care.
Training Healthcare Providers and Community Leaders
ITEACH has trained a large number of healthcare workers in KwaZulu-Natal, equipping them with the skills to effectively manage HIV and TB cases. This training extends to lay health workers, or “Treatment Warriors,” who assist with patient care and file management, ensuring that even in understaffed areas, patients receive comprehensive support.
Collaborating with Traditional Healers
By building strong partnerships with traditional Zulu healers, ITEACH has created a more inclusive healthcare system that respects cultural practices while providing modern medical care. This approach has improved patient trust and expanded the reach of HIV and TB services, especially in rural areas where traditional healers are often the first point of contact for health issues.
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