Community Group-Based Models of Medication Delivery: Applicability to Cardiovascular Diseases

The rising global burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has put a strain on healthcare systems globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which have seen disproportionate mortality rates due to non-communicable diseases. These deaths are in part due to challenges with medication adherence, which are compounded by lack of access to medication and weak community support systems. This paper aims to propose a potential solution using models of service delivery in HIV/AIDS, given the many similarities between NCD and HIV/AIDS. Models that have been particularly effective in HIV/AIDS are the community-based peer-support medication delivery groups: medication adherence clubs and community antiretroviral therapy (ART) groups. The positive outcomes from these models, including improved medication adherence and patient satisfaction, provide evidence for their potential success when applied to non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and cardiovascular disease.