National HIV Clinical Support Center

The National AIDs & STI control program (NASCOP) oversees provision of HIV Care and Treatment Services for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) nationally. The management of PLHIV can be complex and challenging due to its lifelong nature, use of combination therapy and the potential for presence of multiple co-morbidity.

NASCOP has established a National HIV clinical Support Center (NHCSC) in Nairobi to support management of complex HIV infected patients. The NHCSC supports both Service providers managing HIV infected persons in health facilities and also patients receiving HIV care services. NHCSC allows the patients and clients at large to call in and receive appropriate information regarding clinical cases and also other NASCOP services and where they can receive the services.

Furthermore, NHCSC is used by service providers as a consultation platform for management of difficult patient cases encountered. This initiative provides the opportunity to embrace Telemedicine technology in the HIV program. The end results will be increased access to HIV services by PLHIV and decreased barriers to consultation resulting in improved quality of HIV services offered by service providers. It will also contribute to improved adherence and retention in care among patients.

The Support Center being a national center services the entire country and is part of the national mentorship cascade of care.

• Clinical decision-making support
  • Uliza! Clinicians’ Patient Hotline (0726 460 000)
  • Email consultation service: currently using ulizanascop@gmail.com
  • Incorporates and strengthens 3rd line TWG (now the National HIV Clinical TWG)
  • Clinical e-Resource Center: Has regularly updates resource materials, publications etc.
• Patient support systems
• Patient hotline (0726 460 000)
• Directory of services
• SMS notification service
• Capacity building
• Training
• Mentorship
• Online CPDS
• E-discussion forum
• Quality assurance