CHIVA Africa wins OSC grant to tackle HIV adherence issues in children

CHIVA Africa, a leading charity focused on supporting children and adolescents living with HIV, has been awarded an Open Societal Challenges (OSC) funding grant to advance its project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to address barriers to antiretroviral therapy.

The initiative, titled "Enhancing ART Adherence in Vulnerable Children in KwaZulu-Natal," seeks to address barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in children under 14, a critical factor in achieving better health outcomes and reducing HIV-related mortality.

South Africa, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, continues to grapple with a severe HIV epidemic, where poor ART adherence remains a major challenge. Non-adherence often results from inconsistent caregiver support, which plays a pivotal role in managing the treatment of children living with HIV. CHIVA Africa’s project seeks to identify the socio-economic, cultural, and political factors that influence caregiver behaviours and support systems. By uncovering these dynamics, the organisation aims to develop and implement targeted interventions to ensure more consistent ART adherence.

The project, conducted over 12 months, will involve primary research to understand adherence patterns and challenges. This includes focus groups and interviews with healthcare workers and caregivers, along with an analysis of medical records. Capacity building will play a vital role, with healthcare workers trained in research methods to strengthen local expertise and sustain long-term improvements. Policy integration is another critical element, as findings will be disseminated through workshops, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagement to influence national HIV treatment strategies.

CHIVA Africa’s collaboration with The Open University (OU) strengthens the initiative. The research team includes Dr Emil Dauncey, a lecturer with extensive experience in sub-Saharan Africa, and a robust advisory team comprising experts in paediatric infectious diseases and HIV treatment. Expected outcomes for the project include improved ART adherence among children, enhanced caregiver support mechanisms, and evidence-based policy recommendations for broader implementation.

Sheena Lott, CHIVA Africa’s representative, emphasised the transformative potential of the project: “This grant allows us to integrate academic research with clinical practice, empowering caregivers and healthcare workers to save lives and improve outcomes for children living with HIV.”

The initiative not only promises significant advances in ART adherence but also highlights the importance of collaboration between academia, healthcare providers, and communities in addressing pressing global health challenges.