In Manipur, our teams run HIV clinics offering a patient-centered approach to care, and support the antiretroviral treatment center and HIV inpatient ward in a district hospital. We also distribute food coupons and dry rations to homeless intravenous drug users, and continue to work with the government to improve access to holistic care for HIV patients with life-threatening opportunistic infections. During the second COVID wave, we deployed emergency teams to manage high-dependency units in Imphal and Churachandpur. We also launched a telemedicine and a mental health helpline for those diagnosed with the virus. In one of India’s poorest states, Bihar, we focus on providing both lifesaving and palliative care to patients living with advanced HIV. Nutrition and mental health support are important elements of our model of care.
In Mumbai, we treat complex cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis at our clinic and support outpatient services in M/East ward, which has one of the highest rates of the disease in the city. In 2021, we continued to treat patients enrolled in the endTB clinical trial, with the aim of generating more evidence for shorter, more tolerable, injection-free treatments for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered phone consultations and provided longer drug refills to ensure continued care. Our teams also supported the management of moderate COVID-19 patients in one of the city’s hospitals, provided training to Ministry of Health staff, and carried out health promotion and shielding activities in the community.
