As Zambia faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV, the TASKPEN initiative, implemented by CIDRZ, is leading efforts to integrate NCD care into routine HIV services.

In line with these efforts, a recent in-person TASKPEN mentorship meeting in Lusaka, organised by CIDRZ and the Lusaka Provincial Health Office (LPHO), brought together clinicians, pharmacists, and mentors to review progress, share lessons, and highlight innovative strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Speaking during the in-person Dashboard Meeting held at Kabwata Urban Clinic, CIDRZ TASKPEN Clinical Team Lead, Dr Anchindika Mugala, explained that TASKPEN is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a model for integrated NCD and HIV care in line with the Government’s National Health Strategic Plan.

She further highlighted the team’s mentoring approach, anchored in practice facilitation, and added that this approach involves continuous coaching of facility staff, supported by audit and feedback mechanisms.

“As part of these processes, the team has introduced in-person dashboard meetings where facility data are presented and clinical cases are discussed face-to-face. These meetings have been instrumental in strengthening integrated care delivery, refining interventions, and addressing identified knowledge gaps,” she said.

Building on this, Dr Mugala emphasised that the benefits of this approach are already evident. Referring to a case shared during the meeting, she explained how a patient’s obesity, identified as a key risk factor for diabetes, was promptly recognised, assessed with the HbA1C test, and effectively managed in line with best practices.

Meanwhile, Dr Agatha Lloyd, Medical Officer at Kabwata Urban Clinic, reflected on her long-standing commitment to NCD care, describing it as her passion. She pointed out the interconnection between hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia, emphasising that focusing on one condition alone would not achieve overall patient health.

“It has been a long battle to establish outpatient hypertension care. There have been many challenges, including misconceptions that NCD services are only for HIV-positive patients. But it is important to showcase that while the majority are from the vulnerable HIV population, others also need care,” she noted.

In addition, the Lusaka Province Medical Officer for Kabwata, represented by Dr Madalitso Sakala, praised the progress achieved through TASKPEN, observing that facility staff had gained vital skills and knowledge already being applied in service delivery. He urged the team to build on these gains, particularly in addressing persistent low-grade hypertension and in preparing health systems for the growing burden of an ageing population.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr Kennedy Mwila, LPHO HIV/TB Clinical Mentor, encouraged staff to maintain TASKPEN’s momentum, stressing that most patients already benefit from its interventions.

“We cannot allow coverage to fall to 60% from the 90% we have reached; that would be very unfair. We will keep consulting on TASKPEN to ensure the programme’s sustainability, and I thank you all for everything that has been done so far,” he said.

Further reinforcing the message of ownership, Sr Matimba Moonga, ART and Cervical Cancer Nurse and Acting Sister-in-Charge at Kabwata Urban Clinic, remarked:

“We have learned a lot from this session, as it has reinforced the importance of taking ownership of our data and programmes. We remain committed to sustaining and building on these efforts. As Kabwata, we promise to own the NCD programme fully.”

Lastly, Mr Brian Banda, TASKPEN Pharmacy Liaison, highlighted the project’s advocacy role, commending innovative strategies for sourcing NCD medicines and noting strengthened collaboration with the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).