Strengthening global health systems through greater involvment of PLHIV

Speaking at AIDS 2008, Morolake Odetoyinbo (Nigeria), CEO of Positive Action for Treatment Access argued that the greater involvement of people living with HIV (PLHIV) can be a key component of efforts to strengthen fragile health systems in low- and middle-income countries. These already fragile systems have been further taxed by the HIV epidemic, which has depleted the health workforce due to illness and death, and magnified the impact of existing malnutrition. Odetoyinbo also warned that lack of treatment literacy and unstable drug supplies are leading to HIV drug resistance and multi-drug resistant TB.

Highlighting the existing involvement of PLHIV as counselors, peer educators, and spokespersons, Odetoyinbo explained how PLHIV can do even more to help strengthen health systems if their involvement is rooted in their existing capacities and skills, and not used to simply fill quotas. According to Odetoyinbo, there also must be an environment that allows professionals living with HIV to be actively involved in health systems. PLHIV should have multi-dimensional roles as advocates, watchdogs and managers, and should also be active participants in decision-making bodies responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes.