scholarly journals What gaps remain in the HIV cascade of care? Results of a population-based survey in Nsanje District, Malawi

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0248410
Author(s):  
Nolwenn Conan ◽  
Cyrus P. Paye ◽  
Reinaldo Ortuno ◽  
Alexander Chijuwa ◽  
Brown Chiwandira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Rna ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Cascade Of Care

Introduction The Malawi Ministry of Health (MoH) has been in collaboration with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) to increase access to quality HIV care through decentralization of antiretroviral therapy (ART) diagnosis and treatment from hospital to clinics in Nsanje District since 2011. A population-based household survey was implemented to provide information on HIV prevalence and cascade of care to inform and prioritize community-based HIV interventions in the district. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 2016 and January 2017. Using two-stage cluster sampling, eligible adult individuals aged ≥15 years living in the selected households were asked to participate. Participants were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. Those tested HIV-positive had their HIV-RNA viral load (VL) measured, regardless of their ART status. All participants tested HIV-positive at the time of the survey were advised to report their HIV test result to the health facility of their choice that MSF was supported in the district. HIV-RNA VL results were made available in this health facility. Results Among 5,315 eligible individuals, 91.1% were included in the survey and accepted an HIV test. The overall prevalence was 12.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 11.2–13.0) and was higher in women than in men: 14.0% versus 9.5%, P<0.001. Overall HIV-positive status awareness was 80.0% (95%CI: 76.4–83.1) and was associated with sex (P<0.05). Linkage to care was 78.0% (95%CI: 74.3–81.2) and participants in care 76.2% (95%CI: 72.4–79.5). ART coverage among participants aware of their HIV-positive status was 95.3% (95%CI: 92.9–96.9) and was not associated with sex (P = 0.55). Viral load suppression among participants on ART was 89.9% (95%CI: 86.6–92.4) and was not statistically different by sex (p = 0.40). Conclusions Despite encouraging results in HIV testing coverage, cascade of care, and UNAIDS targets in Nsanje District, some gap remains in the first 90, specifically among men and young adults. Enhanced community engagement and new strategies of testing, such as index testing, could be implemented to identify those who are still undiagnosed, particularly men and young adults.

Observational study of the populations accessing rapid point-of-care HIV testing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, through a retrospective chart review of site records

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Blain Johnston ◽  
Joss N Reimer ◽  
John L Wylie ◽  
Jared Bullard
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Test

ObjectivesHIV point-of-care testing (POCT) has been available in Manitoba since 2008. This study evaluated the effectiveness of POCT at identifying individuals with previously unknown HIV status, its effects on clinical outcomes and the characteristics of the populations reached.MethodsA retrospective database review was conducted for individuals who received HIV POCT from 2011 to 2014. Time to linkage to care and viral load suppression were compared between individuals who tested positive for HIV using POCT and controls identified as positive through standard screening. Testing outcomes for labouring women with undocumented HIV status accessing POCT during labour were also assessed.Results3204 individuals received POCT (1055 females (32.9%) and 2149 males (67.1%)), being the first recorded HIV test for 2205 (68.8%). Males were more likely to be targeted with POCT as their first recorded HIV test (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.40). Between the two main test sites (Main Street Project (MSP) and Nine Circles Community Health Centre), MSP tested relatively fewer males (AOR 0.79) but a higher proportion of members of all age groups over 30 years old (AOR 1.83, 2.51 and 3.64 for age groups 30–39, 40–49 and >50, respectively). There was no difference in time to linkage to care (p=0.345) or viral load suppression (p=0.405) between the POCT and standard screening cohorts. Of 215 women presenting in labour with unknown HIV status, one was identified as HIV positive.ConclusionsPOCT in Manitoba has been successful at identifying individuals with previously unknown HIV-positive status. Demographic differences between the two main testing sites support that this intervention is reaching unique populations. Given that we observed no significant difference in time to clinical outcomes, it is reasonable to continue using POCT as a targeted intervention.MeSH termsHIV infection; rapid HIV testing; vertical infectious disease transmission; community outreach; service delivery; marginalised populations.

scholarly journals Migration in Namibia and its association with HIV acquisition and treatment outcomes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256865
Author(s):  
Andrea Low ◽  
Karam Sachathep ◽  
George Rutherford ◽  
Anne-Marie Nitschke ◽  
Adam Wolkon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Recent Infection ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Hiv Test

Background In the 21st century, understanding how population migration impacts human health is critical. Namibia has high migration rates and HIV prevalence, but little is known about how these intersect. We examined the association between migration and HIV-related outcomes using data from the 2017 Namibia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (NAMPHIA). Methods and findings The NAMPHIA survey selected a nationally representative sample of adults in 2017. All adults aged 15–64 years were invited to complete an interview and home-based HIV test. Recent infection (<130 days) was measured using HIV-1 LAg avidity combined with viral load (>1000 copies/mL) and antiretroviral analyte data. Awareness of HIV status and antiretroviral use were based on self-report and/or detectable antiretrovirals in blood. Viremia was defined as having a viral load ≥1000 copies/mL, including all participants in the denominator regardless of serostatus. We generated community viremia values as a weighted proportion at the EA level, excluding those classified as recently infected. Significant migrants were those who had lived outside their current region or away from home >one month in the past three years. Recent cross-community in-migrants were those who had moved to the community <two years ago. Separate analyses were done to compare significant migrants to non-migrants and recent cross-community in-migrants to those who in-migrated >two years ago to determine the association of migration and timing with recent infection or viral load suppression (VLS). All proportions are weighted. Of eligible adults, we had HIV results and migration data on 9,625 (83.9%) of 11,474 women and 7,291 (73.0%) of 9,990 men. Most respondents (62.5%) reported significant migration. Of cross-community in-migrants, 15.3% were recent. HIV prevalence was 12.6% and did not differ by migration status. Population VLS was 77.4%. Recent cross-community in-migration was associated with recent HIV infection (aOR: 4.01, 95% CI 0.99–16.22) after adjusting for community viremia. Significant migration (aOR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55–0.97) and recent cross-community in-migration (aOR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35–0.92) were associated with lower VLS, primarily due to lack of awareness of HIV infection. The study was limited by lack of precise data on trajectory of migration. Conclusions Despite a high population-level VLS, Namibia still has migrant populations that are not accessing effective treatment for HIV. Targeting migrants with effective prevention and testing programs in communities with viremia could enable further epidemic control.

scholarly journals HIV Care and Viral Load Suppression After Sexual Health Clinic Visits by Out-of-Care HIV-Positive Persons

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 390-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Tymejczyk ◽  
Kelly Jamison ◽  
Preeti Pathela ◽  
Sarah Braunstein ◽  
Julia A. Schillinger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Clinic Visits

scholarly journals HIV incidence, viremia, and the national response in Eswatini: Two sequential population-based surveys

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260892
Author(s):  
Rejoice Nkambule ◽  
Neena M. Philip ◽  
Giles Reid ◽  
Zandile Mnisi ◽  
Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Rna ◽  
National Response ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Log Ratio

With the highest HIV incidence and prevalence globally, the government of Eswatini started a substantial scale-up of HIV treatment and prevention services in 2011. Two sequential large population-based surveys were conducted before and after service expansion to assess the impact of the national response. Cross-sectional, household-based, nationally representative samples of adults, ages 18 to 49 years, were sampled in 2011 and 2016. We measured HIV prevalence, incidence (recent infection based on limiting antigen ≤1.5 optical density units and HIV RNA ≥1000 copies/mL), viral load suppression (HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL among all seropositive adults) and unsuppressed viremia (HIV RNA ≥1000 copies/mL among all, regardless of HIV status) and assessed for temporal changes by conducting a trend analysis of the log ratio of proportions, using a Z statistic distribution. HIV prevalence remained stable from 2011 to 2016 [32% versus 30%, p = 0.10]. HIV incidence significantly declined 48% [2.48% versus 1.30%, p = 0.01]. Incidence remained higher among women than men [2011: 3.16% versus 1.83%; 2016: 1.76% versus 0.86%], with a smaller but significant relative reduction among women [44%; p = 0.04] than men [53%; p = 0.09]. The proportion of seropositive adults with viral load suppression significantly increased from 35% to 71% [p < .001]. The proportion of the total adult population with unsuppressed viremia decreased from 21% to 9% [p < .001]. National HIV incidence in Eswatini decreased by nearly half and viral load suppression doubled over a five-year period. Unsuppressed viremia in the total population decreased 58%. These population-based findings demonstrate the national impact of expanded HIV services in a hyperendemic country.

scholarly journals Linkage to intensive adherence counselling among HIV-positive persons on ART with detectable viral load in Gomba district, rural Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Nakalega ◽  
Nelson Mukiza ◽  
Henry Debem ◽  
George Kiwanuka ◽  
Ronald Makanga Kakumba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Detectable Viral Load ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Adherence Counselling

Abstract Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is a primary determinant of sustained viral suppression, HIV transmission risk, disease progression and death. The World Health Organization recommends that adherence support interventions be provided to people on ART, but implementation is suboptimal. We evaluated linkage to intensive adherence counselling (IAC) for persons on ART with detectable viral load (VL). Methods Between January and December 2017, we conducted a retrospective chart review of HIV-positive persons on ART with detectable VL (> 1000 copies/ml), in Gomba district, rural Uganda. We abstracted records from eight HIV clinics; seven health center III’s (facilities which provide basic preventive and curative care and are headed by clinical officers) and a health center IV (mini-hospital headed by a medical doctor). Linkage to IAC was defined as provision of IAC to ART clients with detectable VL within three months of receipt of results at the health facility. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate factors associated with linkage to IAC. Results Of 4,100 HIV-positive persons on ART for at least 6 months, 411 (10%) had detectable VL. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range [IQR] 13–43) and 52% were female. The median duration on ART was 3.2 years (IQR 1.8–4.8). A total of 311 ART clients (81%) were linked to IAC. Receipt of ART at a Health Center level IV was associated with a two-fold higher odds of IAC linkage compared with Health Center level III (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.78; 95% CI 1.00–3.16; p = 0.01). Age, gender, marital status and ART duration were not related to IAC linkage. Conclusions Linkage to IAC was high among persons with detectable VL in rural Uganda, with greater odds of linkage at a higher-level health facility. Strategies to optimize IAC linkage at lower-level health facilities for persons with suboptimal ART adherence are needed.

scholarly journals Threefold Increases in Population HIV Viral Load Suppression Among Men and Young Adults — Bukoba Municipal Council, Tanzania, 2014–2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (30) ◽  
pp. 658-663
Author(s):  
Duncan MacKellar ◽  
Claire Steiner ◽  
Oscar E. Rwabiyago ◽  
Haddi J. Cham ◽  
Sherri Pals ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Municipal Council

Clinical profile and viral load suppression among HIV positive adolescents attending a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
EstherS Yiltok ◽  
CordeliaY Agada ◽  
Ruth Zoakah ◽  
AwengG Malau ◽  
DoohA Tanyishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Clinical Profile ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
North Central

Importance of HIV Care Continuum

2020 ◽  
pp. 50-67
Author(s):  
Simon George Taukeni ◽  
Eveline Ndinelao Kalomo
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Counseling ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Counseling And Testing

This chapter seeks to create further awareness and public health education on the importance of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care continuum as one of the key policy focal areas to significantly reduce the HIV epidemic. Specific efforts were directed into the need to implement comprehensive HIV care continuum. The chapter argues that rolling out HIV counseling and testing, enrolled and linked patients to care, prescribing antiretroviral therapy, viral load testing and monitoring are key to achieve viral load suppression. Recommendations and future research direction have put much emphasis on an effort to address psychosocial factors such as stigma, inadequate healthcare facilities, laboratory testing equipment, social and cultural barriers to testing and treatment, to improve access and overall implementation of HIV care continuum.

scholarly journals Cascade of care for people living with HIV infection in Southern Brazil: results from a public health network

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingridt Hildegard Vogler ◽  
Daniela Frizon Alfieri ◽  
Heloisa Damazio Bruna Gianjacomo ◽  
Elaine Regina Delicato de Almeida ◽  
Edna Maria Vissoci Reiche
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Health Network ◽  
Cascade Of Care ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract: The cascade of care for people living with HIV infection (PLHIV) describes steps in diagnosis, linkage and retention in care, as well as the provision and success of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates regarding the retention in care, on cART, and suppressed viral load for PLHIV attended at a Brazilian public health network. Data on PLHIV from 116 cities of Paraná, Southern Brazil, attended from 2012 to 2015, were retrospectively collected through the Laboratory Tests Control System (SISCEL). The number of PLHIV related to care increased about 22.5% from 2012 to 2015 (4,106 to 5,030 individuals). The proportion of PLHIV retained in care showed a trend toward stabilization around 81.7-86.9%. Every year, the use of cART increased up to 90.3% for PLHIV retained in care. Viral load suppression was achieved by 72.8% of patients on cART and 57.1% by those linked to care. Retention in care and HIV viral suppression were more likely to occur in older PLHIV than younger ones; similarly, patients living in medium-sized cities were more susceptible to these factors than in large- or small-sized cities. In conclusion, the study showed a high level of retention in care and HIV suppression on cART, as well as emphasized that current efforts for treating already-infected PLHIV remain a challenge for our health public institutions and may contribute to highlight steps for improvement of the HIV cascade of care in our population.

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