Page 32 - Nursing Matters June 2021 Vol 12

WHEN WE CONNECT

THINGS GET MUCH BETTER QUICKLY –

ACCESSING HIV CARE IN PHARMACIES

Our vision is to increase HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and
care options in pharmacies. Pharmacists, Nurses and GPs have
come together to reinforce your support network – there is no
question you cannot ask them.

7.7 million South Africans are living with HIV and every day another 657 are infected. Each year 71,000 people die from
complications linked to HIV – this may be your mother, sister, boyfriend, or best friend. The good thing is that 90% of
people living with HIV know their status, 62% have gotten on treatment, and 54% have undetectable viral loads. If we
connect, we can improve these numbers by making services available in more locations with longer opening hours.

The Southern African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS) is leading EPIC - Expanding PrEP/ART Innovation Consortium to
expand HIV care at pharmacies. SAHCS has been supporting and strengthening the HIV knowledge and capacity of its
10 000+ members since 1998.

EPIC aims to increase access to HIV services by working with independent retail pharmacies. Everyone can come in for
confidential support for HIV testing, emergency contraception, family planning, or sexual health questions. Pharmacies
are open late and on weekends, waiting times are often shorter than at clinics or hospitals, and all HIV services can be
found under one roof.

The EPIC Consortium developed PIMART – the first ever course for Pharmacy-Initiated Management of Anti-retroviral
Treatment. Pharmacists who complete the course will be permitted to start patients on ART, including PEP and PrEP
(pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis). Anyone with more complicated conditions or concerns will be referred to the
EPIC HIV Expert GP referral network. These are GPs with years of experience supporting HIV care.

Working together, using our networks, sharing the latest information, and supporting each other
helps us clearly see that we are here 4 Each Other.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO PrEP AND ARVs
INNOVATION CONSORTIUM
PIMART
PHARMACY INITIATED MANAGEMENT
OF ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY
HIV Nursing Matters | June 2021 | page 30