What We Do
MSF started providing specialised care for HIV and TB in Manipur in 2005 and 2007 respectively. At our clinics located in Churachandpur, Chakpikarong and Moreh (on the Indo-Myanmar border) MSF provides free, high-quality screening, diagnosis and treatment for HIV, TB, hepatitis C and co-infections. As treatment for DR-TB has significant side effects, making it difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment regimen, MSF provides pre and post-test adherence counselling to ensure a successful outcome for the patients. Our health education teams also raise awareness on getting tested and treated. MSF also treats hepatitis C patients (mono-infected) in an opioid substitution therapy centre in Churachandpur, along with treating partners of co-infected patients.
- Manipur
Manipur has a high prevalence of HIV, TB (both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB) and hepatitis C. Due to a lack of resources, there is also a high incidence of co-infection across the state. In cases of co-infection, each disease speeds up the progress of the other, making the patient more vulnerable and the treatment more difficult. A holistic patient-centred approach can have positive outcomes.
In 2023
In the first quarter MSF transitioned the patient cohort to the Ministry of Health and the same was planned for Chakpikarong cohort by the end of the year. However, in May 2023, ethnic conflict erupted resulting in a clear ethnic division that halted our activities for a few months. In the last quarter 2023, we were able to restart our activities intermittently due to the context and trace our cohort. However, in Moreh, we face ongoing challenge with the Myanmar cohort in terms of access. With the protracted conflict, the MSF team conducted an exploratory exercise to assess the health needs in the multiple IDP camps in the third quarter of 2023. This resulted in an intervention planned in early 2024.
