Adolescent Clinic

The Botswana-Baylor COE Adolescent Clinic started in 2005 with only 23 teenagers. The adolescent population in the COE has continued to grow and by June 2009 the clinic had enrolled over 400 teenagers. We estimate that by the end of 2010 the COE will have over 600 teenagers. Based on age-stratification data collected from a representative sub-section of our client population, the average age of our paediatric patients is just over 9 years old. In the next few years, when our 8 to 10 year olds reach adolescence, the age makeup of our patient population will shift dramatically toward the teenage years. By 2011, a conservative nationwide estimate of Botswana's teen ARV needs indicates that nearly 4,000 adolescents will need ARVs. In addition to medical treatment, these teens will need specialized care and support to help them overcome the hurdles of puberty and adolescence.

Since February 2009 we have implemented a bimonthly Adolescent Forum which consists of a social worker and/or psychologist-led case conference of challenging adolescent patients, with a focus on those dealing with psychosocial issues, as well as programmatic updates on Teen Club and other adolescent-focused initiatives. The Adolescent Forum is attended by a variety of healthcare providers with an interest in adolescent issues such as physcians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and auxiliary staff. Through the Adolescent Forum and other innovative interventions we strive to build the capacity of our staff to provide our adolescent patients with the highest possible standard of care.