As humans, we have a need to feel assured of certain things in our lives. For example, the need to feel that someone cares, the need to feel that we are loved, and the need to be encouraged by someone. Sometimes we even feel the need to be told we are wrong or right. For example, a couple that has been married for 10 years, still need to hear the words “I love you,” even if you know that your spouse loves you.
I remember the time I was studying for my Bachelor’s Degree. I knew that for me to pass I needed to work hard but there were times when I longed for either my parents or friends to tell me “work hard my dear.” I feel that this behavior is very common in humans and I find it very okay. We all need that assurance.
Think of someone who has been taking medications for 2 years or 5 years. Every single day of their life, taking 2 or more drugs. It sounds so frustrating, depressing and discouraging. Their life depends on the drugs and they have to deal with it every day. For any normal person this experience can be daunting and one would feel like giving up. I know a lot of people (including myself) who have stopped taking medication mid way through a dosage.
Lighthouse Trust (LH) is a Malawian organization that deals with HIV testing and counseling, treatment and care as well as capacity building. Part of the care given to patients is through the Home based care program in different catchment areas of LH. My main interest however, is the back to care program. The aim of this program is to bring back to care patients who are on ARVs and have missed their appointment date by 21 days. These people are traced (upon their consent) either by an SMS, phone call or visiting them at their respective houses.
I think about how these patients/clients feel when they receive an sms reminding them to come to the clinic or when they receive a phone call or when someone visits them in their homes. The feeling to know that people care about your health and future. Can you imagine the relief, the encouragement that accompanies these patients who are followed so that they come back to care?