As part of its mission to support vulnerable groups and enhance access to quality healthcare in the society, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Lagos Chapter, has given free antiretroviral therapy (ART), health counselling services and Christmas gifts to over one hundred members of the Ajeromi General Hospital Adolescent Refill Club. The Adolescent Refill Club is made up of children, teenagers and adolescents living with HIV.
The lady pharmacists also used the opportunity of ART drugs and gifts presentation, to celebrate end-of-year party with the young persons living with HIV.
Speaking during the event, Pharm. (Dr) Afusat Adesina, chairman of ALPs Lagos, emphasised the association’s dedication to supporting vulnerable groups as part of their mission. “This collaboration is borne out of our mission as health professionals to cater for vulnerable individuals who need maximum care. We saw the need to cater for adolescents living with HIV, as most healthcare systems concentrate on HIV-infected adults than adolescents,” she stated.
Explaining further on the essence of the association’s initiative, she said, “Adolescents living with HIV often face unique challenges, including stigma and difficulty adhering to medications. Our goal is to bridge this gap by offering psychosocial support, medication adherence counselling, ART medication dispensation, and career guidance.”
Highlighting the significant growth and impact of the association’s outreach, she noted that the initiative, which preceded her tenure, has expanded over the years to include educational scholarships for orphaned children living with HIV.
“From sponsoring them in school, we now moved into going the general hospital to offer our services as lady pharmacists by offering services that include medication dispensing, adherence counselling, psychosocial support, and so on.”
“This effort isn’t limited to Ajeromi General Hospital; we have similar programmes in other locations, including St. Kizito Hospital, which is also observing the end-of-year party as we speak.”
The Adolescent Refill Club, founded some years ago, was established to address the specific needs of adolescents living with HIV, who struggle to attend regular clinic appointments.
Speaking in an interview with Pharmnewsonline, Pharm. Kate Ameh-Okwah, chairman, Organising Committee, Adolescent Refill Club, underlined the club’s significance to the adolescents, stating that, “The club has grown into a vital support system for the adolescents. Through the club, adolescents gain access to their medications, engage in counselling, and interact with peers facing similar challenges.”
Still speaking on the many benefits the club provides, she added, “We also address gender-based issues by providing personal counselling and career talks to help them build a brighter future.” She disclosed that the club presently supports over 130 adolescents, with membership gradually increasing as children transition into adulthood.
Responding to questions on challenges encountered over the years, Okwah identified inadequate medication adherence among the children as a common challenge to all. “There is also the issue of unsafe sex practices, particularly among the older adolescent girls.
“Depression is another common challenge among these adolescents, stemming from the stigma and emotional burdens associated with their condition. However, we strive to provide counselling and emotional support to improve their mental health.”
She further shared success stories of individuals who, despite living with HIV, have married and started families, with their partners and children testing negative due to strict adherence to medication. Emphasising the need for more public awareness campaigns to combat discrimination and stigma, she reiterated saying, “We need more jingles and educational programmes to enlighten people that HIV is not a barrier to living a fulfilling life.”
Professor Arinola Joda, from the Clinical and Biopharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, UNILAG, also emphasised the importance of initiatives like the Adolescent Refill Club in addressing the critical needs of adolescents living with HIV stating that, “Beyond providing medications, these adolescents require good nutrition, consistent caregiver support, and self-confidence.”
Further more, she said, “Proper nutrition is essential for these adolescents because, without it, the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy is compromised. Also, it is imperative that we also equip them with the confidence to pursue their goals despite their condition.”
Professor Joda advocated for stronger collaboration between private organisations, government agencies, and NGOs to ensure the sustainability of such programmes supporting people living with HIV. “NGOs may not always be around, but with local partnerships, we can build a robust support system,” she said.
For Islamiat Olayiwola, a 21-year-old beneficiary of the Adolescent Refill Club, the initiative has brought life-changing experience for her. “This club has given me confidence. I can now speak openly about being HIV-positive without feeling less of a person,” she said.
Olayiwola, who is currently learning tech skills and preparing for tertiary education, has beckoned on society to view HIV differently. “HIV is not a limitation. It’s about time people understood that those of us living with HIV can aspire and achieve our dreams just like anyone else,” she echoed. She expressed her gratitude to ALPs for their unwavering support to the group.
Addressing the issue of undisclosed HIV status to the adolescents, Dr Adesina urged parents and caregivers to disclose the children’s HIV status to them, noting that it will ensure better medications adherence.
“Disclosure is crucial for adherence. Once adolescents understand their condition, they are more likely to take their medications seriously,” she advised.
She also called on the society to embrace and support individuals living with HIV. “Stakeholders must ensure that these adolescents feel accepted. It’s time we move past the stigma and integrate them positively into society,” she concluded.
The event, which featured games, career talks, and motivational sessions, served as a reminder of the importance of community in addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV.
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