Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Scale-Up Among Antiretroviral Therapy Patients — 16 Countries Supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 2017–2019

Global HIV program stakeholders, including the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), are undertaking efforts to ensure that eligible people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) receive a course of TB preventive treatment (TPT). In PEPFAR programming, this effort may require providing TPT not only to newly diagnosed PLHIV as part of HIV care initiation, but also to treatment-experienced PLHIV stable on ART who may not have been previously offered TPT. TPT scale-up is occurring at the same time as a trend to provide more person-centered HIV care through differentiated service delivery (DSD). In DSD, PLHIV stable on ART may receive less frequent clinical follow-up or receive care outside the traditional clinic-based model. The misalignment between traditional delivery of TPT and care delivery in innovative DSD may require adaptations to TPT delivery practices for PLHIV. Adaptations include components of planning and operationalization of TPT in DSD, such as determination of TPT eligibility and TPT initiation, and clinical management of PLHIV while on TPT. A key adaptation is alignment of timing and location for TPT and ART prescribing, monitoring, and dispensing. Conceptual examples of TPT delivery in DSD may help program managers operationalize TPT in HIV care.

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Policies, practices and barriers to implementing tuberculosis preventive treatment—35 countries, 2017

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease ◽

10.5588/ijtld.19.0018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (12) ◽

pp. 1308-1313 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

D. Surie ◽

J. D. Interrante ◽

I. Pathmanathan ◽

M. R. Patel ◽

G. Anyalechi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scale Up ◽

Preventive Treatment ◽

Current Status ◽

National Guidelines ◽

Emergency Plan ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

The Us ◽

Control And Prevention ◽

Barriers To Implementation ◽

Hiv Programs

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) reduces the development of tuberculosis (TB) disease and mortality in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Despite this known effectiveness, global uptake of TPT has been slow. We aimed to assess current status of TPT implementation in countries supported by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).METHODS: We surveyed TB-HIV program staff at US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) country offices in 42 PEPFAR-supported countries about current TPT policies, practices, and barriers to implementation. Surveys completed from July to December 2017 were analyzed.RESULTS: Of 42 eligible PEPFAR-supported countries, staff from 35 (83%) CDC country offices completed the survey. TPT was included in national guidelines in 33 (94%) countries, but only 21 (60%) reported nationwide programmatic TPT implementation. HIV programs led TPT implementation in 20/32 (63%) countries, but TB programs led drug procurement in 18/32 (56%) countries. Stock outs were frequent, as 21/28 (75%) countries reported at least one isoniazid stock out in the previous year.CONCLUSION: Despite widespread inclusion of TPT in guidelines, programmatic TPT implementation lags. Successful scale-up of TPT requires uninterrupted drug supply chains facilitated by improved leadership and coordination between HIV and TB programs.

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Evaluation of health system readiness and coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi) in Kambia district to inform national scale-up in Sierra Leone

Malaria Journal ◽

10.1186/s12936-021-03615-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Lahuerta ◽

Roberta Sutton ◽

Anthony Mansaray ◽

Oliver Eleeza ◽

Brigette Gleason ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sierra Leone ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Scale Up ◽

Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽

Vaccine Dose ◽

Preventive Treatment ◽

Household Survey ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Pentavalent Vaccine

Abstract Background Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is a proven strategy to protect infants against malaria. Sierra Leone is the first country to implement IPTi nationwide. IPTi implementation was evaluated in Kambia, one of two initial pilot districts, to assess quality and coverage of IPTi services. Methods This mixed-methods evaluation had two phases, conducted 3 (phase 1) and 15–17 months (phase 2) after IPTi implementation. Methods included: assessments of 18 health facilities (HF), including register data abstraction (phases 1 and 2); a knowledge, attitudes and practices survey with 20 health workers (HWs) in phase 1; second-generation sequencing of SP resistance markers (pre-IPTi and phase 2); and a cluster-sample household survey among caregivers of children aged 3–15 months (phase 2). IPTi and vaccination coverage from the household survey were calculated from child health cards and maternal recall and weighted for the complex sampling design. Interrupted time series analysis using a Poisson regression model was used to assess changes in malaria cases at HF before and after IPTi implementation. Results Most HWs (19/20) interviewed had been trained on IPTi; 16/19 reported feeling well prepared to administer it. Nearly all HFs (17/18 in phase 1; 18/18 in phase 2) had SP for IPTi in stock. The proportion of parasite alleles with dhps K540E mutations increased but remained below the 50% WHO-recommended threshold for IPTi (4.1% pre-IPTi [95%CI 2–7%]; 11% post-IPTi [95%CI 8–15%], p < 0.01). From the household survey, 299/459 (67.4%) children ≥ 10 weeks old received the first dose of IPTi (versus 80.4% for second pentavalent vaccine, given simultaneously); 274/444 (62.5%) children ≥ 14 weeks old received the second IPTi dose (versus 65.4% for third pentavalent vaccine); and 83/217 (36.4%) children ≥ 9 months old received the third IPTi dose (versus 52.2% for first measles vaccine dose). HF register data indicated no change in confirmed malaria cases among infants after IPTi implementation. Conclusions Kambia district was able to scale up IPTi swiftly and provide necessary health systems support. The gaps between IPTi and childhood vaccine coverage need to be further investigated and addressed to optimize the success of the national IPTi programme.

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Community-based model for the delivery of antiretroviral therapy in Cambodia: a quasi-experimental study protocol

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06414-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sovannary Tuot ◽

Alvin Kuo Jing Teo ◽

Kiesha Prem ◽

Pheak Chhoun ◽

Chamroen Pall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Scale Up ◽

Economic Evaluations ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Cad Model ◽

Community Based ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Art Delivery

Abstract Background Multi-month dispensing (MMD) is the mainstay mechanism for clinically stable people living with HIV in Cambodia to refill antiretroviral therapy (ART) every 3-6 months. However, less frequent ART dispensing through the community-based ART delivery (CAD) model could further reduce the clients’ and health facilities’ burden. While community-based services have been recognized as an integral component of HIV response in Cambodia, their role and effectiveness in ART delivery have yet to be systematically assessed. This study aims to evaluate the CAD model’s effectiveness on the continuum of care and treatment outcomes for stable people living with HIV in Cambodia. Methods We will conduct this quasi-experimental study in 20 ART clinics across the capital city and nine provinces between May 2021 and April 2023. Study sites were purposively selected based on the availability of implementing partners, the number of people living with HIV each clinic serves, and the accessibility of the clinics. In the intervention arm, approximately 2000 stable people living with HIV will receive ART and services from the CAD model. Another 2000 stable people living with HIV in the control arm will receive MMD—a standard care model for stable people living with HIV. The primary outcomes will be retention in care, viral load suppression, and adherence to ART. The secondary endpoints will include health providers’ work burden, the model’s cost-effectiveness, quality of life, mental health, social support, stigma, and discrimination. We will compare the outcome indicators within each arm at baseline, midline, and endline using descriptive and inferential statistics. We will evaluate the differences between the intervention and control arms using the difference-in-differences method. We will perform economic evaluations to determine if the intervention is cost-effective. Discussion This study will build the evidence base for future implementation and scale-up of CAD model in Cambodia and other similar settings. Furthermore, it will strengthen engagements with community stakeholders and further improve community mobilization, a vital pillar of the Cambodian HIV response. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04766710. Registered 23 February 2021, Version 1.

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Integrated TB and HIV care for Mozambican children: temporal trends, site-level determinants of performance, and recommendations for improved TB preventive treatment

AIDS Research and Therapy ◽

10.1186/s12981-020-00325-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

W. Chris Buck ◽

Hanh Nguyen ◽

Mariana Siapka ◽

Lopa Basu ◽

Jessica Greenberg Cowan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Temporal Trends ◽

Scale Up ◽

Preventive Treatment ◽

Preventive Therapy ◽

Pediatric Hiv ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Pediatric Care ◽

P Value ◽

Missed Opportunities ◽

Art Initiation

Abstract Background Pediatric tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and TB-HIV co-infection are health problems with evidence-based diagnostic and treatment algorithms that can reduce morbidity and mortality. Implementation and operational barriers affect adherence to guidelines in many resource-constrained settings, negatively affecting patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess performance in the pediatric HIV and TB care cascades in Mozambique. Methods A retrospective analysis of routine PEPFAR site-level HIV and TB data from 2012 to 2016 was performed. Patients 0–14 years of age were included. Descriptive statistics were used to report trends in TB and HIV indicators. Linear regression was done to assess associations of site-level variables with performance in the pediatric TB and HIV care cascades using 2016 data. Results Routine HIV testing and cotrimoxazole initiation for co-infected children in the TB program were nearly optimal at 99% and 96% in 2016, respectively. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was lower at 87%, but steadily improved from 2012 to 2016. From the HIV program, TB screening at the last consultation rose steadily over the study period, reaching 82% in 2016. The percentage of newly enrolled children who received either TB treatment or isoniazid preventive treatment (IPT) also steadily improved in all provinces, but in 2016 was only at 42% nationally. Larger volume sites were significantly more likely to complete the pediatric HIV and TB care cascades in 2016 (p value range 0.05 to < 0.001). Conclusions Mozambique has made significant strides in improving the pediatric care cascades for children with TB and HIV, but there were missed opportunities for TB diagnosis and prevention, with IPT utilization being particularly problematic. Strengthened TB/HIV programming that continues to focus on pediatric ART scale-up while improving delivery of TB preventive therapy, either with IPT or newer rifapentine-based regimens for age-eligible children, is needed.

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The scale-up of antiretroviral therapy coverage was strongly associated with the declining tuberculosis morbidity in Africa during 2000–2018

Public Health ◽

10.1016/j.puhe.2020.04.021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 191 ◽

pp. 48-54

Author(s):

M. Boah ◽

B. Jin ◽

T. Adampah ◽

W. Wang ◽

K. Wang

Keyword(s):

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Scale Up

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Declining tuberculosis case notification rates with the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe

Public Health Action ◽

10.5588/pha.16.0029 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 164-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

K. C. Takarinda ◽

A. D. Harries ◽

C. Sandy ◽

T. Mutasa-Apollo ◽

C. Zishiri

Keyword(s):

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Scale Up ◽

Tuberculosis Case ◽

Case Notification

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Improving antiretroviral therapy scale-up and effectiveness through service integration and decentralization

AIDS ◽

10.1097/qad.0000000000000259 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 28 ◽

pp. S175-S185 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Amitabh B. Suthar ◽

George W. Rutherford ◽

Tara Horvath ◽

Meg C. Doherty ◽

Eyerusalem K. Negussie

Keyword(s):

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Scale Up ◽

Service Integration

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Accelerating access and scale-up of optimized antiretroviral therapy in low-income and middle-income countries: results of a coordinated end-to-end approach

AIDS ◽

10.1097/qad.0000000000002951 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 35 (Supplement 2) ◽

pp. S165-S171

Author(s):

Emily Lark Harris ◽

Katherine Blumer ◽

Carmen Perez Casas ◽

Danielle Ferris ◽

Carolyn Amole ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Low Income ◽

Scale Up ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

End To End

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Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia following mass testing and treatment in Pakro sub-district of Ghana

10.21203/rs.2.12320/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ignatius Cheng Ndong ◽

Daniel Okyere ◽

Juliana Yartey Enos ◽

Benedicta Ayiedu Mensah ◽

Alexander Kwadwo Nyarko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Malaria Control ◽

Lower Cost ◽

Health Centre ◽

Scale Up ◽

Intermittent Preventive Treatment ◽

Preventive Treatment ◽

Asymptomatic Malaria ◽

Community Based ◽

High Coverage ◽

Asymptomatic Parasitaemia

Abstract Background: Global efforts to scale-up malaria control interventions are gaining steam. These include the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets, Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Test, Treat and Track (T3) using ACTs. Intermittent preventive treatment of children (IPTc) in Ghana has demonstrated a parasite load reduction of 90%. However, unanswered questions include – whether mass treatment of population sub-groups such as IPTc could be scaled-up to whole populations as in mass testing, treatment and tracking (MTTT)? What is needed to implement MTTT at scale? Can MTTT reduce asymptomatic parasitaemia levels in children under 15? And whether MTTT of populations complemented by community-based management of malaria (CBMm) using volunteers could be an effective strategy for malaria control at a lower cost. Methods: A population of 5,000 asymptomatic individuals in seven communities in the Pakro sub-district of Ghana participated in this study. A register was developed for each community following a census. MTTT engaged trained community-based health volunteers (CBHVs) who conducted house-to-house testing using RDTs every four months and treated positive cases with ACTs. Between interventions, CBMm was done on symptomatic cases. Results: MTTT Coverage was 98.8% in July 2017 and 79.3% in July 2018. Of those tested, asymptomatic infection with malaria parasites reduced from 1,795 (36.3%) in July 2017 to 1,303 (32.9%) in July 2018. Implementing MTTT significantly averted asymptomatic parasitaemia by 24% from July 2017 to July 2018 after adjusting for age, ITN use and temperature (OR=0.76, CI=0.67, 0.85 p ≤ 0.001). In comparison, treatment of symptomatic patients at the Health Centre reduced parasitaemia by 9% over the same period which was however, not statistically significant (OR=0.91, CI=0.67, 1.38 p = 0.672). A total of 223 (5.1%) cases were averted in children under 15 years (X² = 9.7, p < 0.002). An important observation was a decrease in hospital attendance, which negatively affected the internally generated funds (IGF) scheme of the participating health facilities. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that implementing MTTT was feasible and could reduce prevalence of malaria asymptomatic parasitaemia in children under 15 years of age. Furthermore, the use of CBHVs could ensure high coverage at lower cost.

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