MOH-CDC CoAg

Project Dates : 2018-Ongoing (2022)
Main Project Partners : Ministry of Health
Date Posted : June 25th, 2021

1. Background
In 2014, The Government of Rwanda received a new support from PEPFAR in a new mechanism called “Strengthening HIV clinical services in the republic of Rwanda under PEPFAR”. This came with a new phase of sustainability and increased country ownership in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
To foster the inclusion of People with Disability (PWDs) in HIV response in Rwanda, UPHLS has been contracted by the Ministry of Health from September 2018, to overseeing the inclusion of people with Disabilities in HIV program and in community level. And This to be achieved if the HIV services for PWDs is improved.

2. Activities in UPHLS Workplan under MOH -CDC CoAg Support :

1. Reproduce and distribute a disability mainstreaming toolkit/guide (Appropriate disability terminology, accessibility check, basic sign language poster, etc.) for local authorities and involved partners in HIV
2. Annual forum on HIV and Disability with MoH, RBC, NCPD, OPDs, RHA, UN Agencies, HIV/AIDS actors to share the achievements, and best practices in Disability and mainstreaming on HIV response in Rwanda.
   Coaching and mentorship of trained clinical mentors from hospitals supported by PEPFAR.
3. Train local partners (from the PEPFAR/CDC supported sites) including Regional Field Officers of RRP+ and Representative of RRP+), members of PWDs organizations, and local authorities on disability inclusion in HIV interventions.
4. Conduct annual joint visit with MOH, RBC, NCPD, DPOs and Local authorities to model health facilities to advocate for scale up in the Province.
5. Conduct Provincial engagement on HIV and Disability with district hospitals, district officials (Vice mayors in charge of social affairs, JADF officers, Directors of health, Directors of planning, and in charge of building inspection), NCPD, DPOs, HIV actors, to share the achievements, and best practices in Disability mainstreaming on HIV response in Rwanda.
6. Facilitate 10 health facilities and 5 trained partners per Province to carry out study tours to the model health facilities and learn from the upgraded health facilities.
7. Conduct accessibility check and DISC (Disability Inclusion Score Card) for health facilities among which 5 will be upgraded.
8. Training of Healthcare providers from upgraded Health centers on specific needs of PWDs, basic sign language, mobility and orientation.
9. Coaching and mentorship of healthcare professionals and involved partners in HIV around upgraded HC in implementation and monitoring of their planned disability friendly Action plans (conducted in a participatory approach with MoH and NCPD).
10. Conduct training and mentorship for Community Health workers from five upgraded health facilities on disability and HIV/AIDS disability friendly services (cell CHWs),
11. Coaching and mentoring of trained community health workers
12. Renovation of 5 health facilities
13. Conduct biannual coordination meeting with upgraded Health Centers, MoH, RBC, NCPD, RRP+ and DPOs to discuss and decide on critical issues in HIV services provision to PWDs
14. Conduct TV and Radio talk shows on Disability mainstreaming in HIV response in Rwanda
15. Reproduce adapted IEC tools on ART, OI and PMTCT (Posters, Image boxes, etc.) for Persons with disabilities around PEPFAR supported HCs.

3. Key Achievements :

Renovations of Health Facilities (Installation of walkways/ramps, put in place directive sign posts, merging accessible toilet and Parking for people with disability)

1. 15 health centers Renovated so far under CoAG support
2. In 2016, Under CDC direct fund, UPHLS renovated Rubengera HC in Karongi District, Kinyinya HC in Gasabo, Nemba HC in Gakenke District, Gatagara HC in Nyanza and Kabarore in Gatsibo .

1. In 2019, Under Netherlands Funds through Every Life Matters, UPHLS renovated Nyundo HC in Rubavu and Biryogo HC in Nyarugenge
2. In 2019, under RBC (GF) in collaboration with UPHLS Kirehe HC was renovated

• Trainings conducted from 2018 up to now :

1. 180 Health Care providers at Health center level trained on disability mainstreaming and specific needs, basic signs language and mobility orientation
2. 100 CHWS trained on disability mainstreaming in community health services
3. 23 Clinical Mentors trained on disability mainstreaming in HIV Services.
4. 6 Central level staff trained on disability mainstreaming, specific needs, and mobility orientation (3 from MOH D&I and 3 from RBC/HIV Division
5. Training of Local Authorities and Development Partners
6. 134 Head of Health Centers supported by MOH-CDC CoAG have been trained on basic awareness of People with Disability (PWDs) rights, basic needs to help PWDs access HIV Services.
7. 10 persons from Ministry of Health attended Induction workshop on disability mainstreaming
8. In 2018 : 100 Disability mainstreaming tool kits, 200 Booklet in ordinary print, 200 image boxes, 200 posters, 200 DVD, 100 Braille booklet. All those were IEC tools on ART, VCT, OI and PMTCT (Posters, Image boxes, etc.) for Persons with disabilities around PEPFAR supported HCs.
   In 2019 : 1134 sign language posters, 567 image boxes, 945 Booklet in ordinary print, 189 disability mainstreaming tool kits
   In 2020 : 122 Posters.
9. Every Quarter, UPHLS Conduct Coordination meetings with Public institutions and development partners in HIV prevention and care & Treatment to identify challenges met by PWDs in community.