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Introduction: Courier delivery has become a popular antiretroviral therapy (ART) distribution method in some HIV care settings, yet data on ART courier delivery and how it relates to ART outcomes are scarce. We studied the differences in viral suppression rates between individuals from a South African private sector HIV programme receiving ART by courier delivery and those receiving ART through traditional retail dispensing. Methods: Individuals aged 15 years or older who were actively enrolled in the Aid for AIDS programme between January 2011 and July 2022 were eligible for the analysis. The outcome of interest was viral suppression defined as a viral load (VL) <400 copies per ml. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the association between the ART distribution method and viral suppression, comparing those receiving refills through courier pharmacies versus retail dispensing at the time of the VL testing. We used generalized estimating equations to account for repeated VL testing of the same individual. The models were adjusted for age, sex, calendar year, ART regimen, history of mental illness and medical insurance scheme. We computed adjusted ORs for the calendar periods 2011−2013, 2014−2016, 2017−2019, 2020−2022 and overall. Results: We extracted 442,619 VL measurements from 68,720 eligible individuals, 39,406 (57.3%) were women. The median number of VL measurements per individual was 6 (IQR 3−10). VL suppression was detected in 398,901 (90.1%) tests, and 185,701 (42.0%) of the tests were taken while the individual was receiving ART by courier delivery. Overall, courier delivery was associated with 5% higher odds of viral suppression than retail dispensing (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02−1.08). The strength and direction of this association varied by calendar period, with an adjusted OR of 1.37 (95% CI 1.27−1.48) in 2011−2013 and 1.02 (95% CI 0.97−1.07) in 2020−2022. Conclusions: Courier delivery of ART is a viable alternative to retail dispensing in the South African private sector, as it was associated with higher viral suppression until 2016 and similar suppression rates in recent years. Further research is needed to investigate the potential benefits and drawbacks of courier delivery of ART in both private and public healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pharmacy‐delivered HIV prevention services might create more options for pregnant women to use HIV prevention tools earlier and more consistently during pregnancy. We quantified preferences for attributes of potential HIV prevention services among women of childbearing age in Western Kenya. Methods: From June to November 2023, we administered a face‐to‐face discrete choice experiment survey to women aged 15–44 in Kenya's Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya counties. The survey evaluated preferences for HIV prevention services, described by seven attributes: service location, travel time, type of HIV test, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, partner HIV testing, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and service fee. Participants answered a series of 12‐choice questions. Each question asked them to select one of two service options or no services—an opt‐out option. We used hierarchical Bayesian modelling levels to estimate each attribute level's coefficient and understand how attributes influenced service choice. Results: Overall, 599 participants completed the survey, among whom the median age was 23 years (IQR: 18–27); 33% were married, 20% had a job and worked regularly, and 52% had been pregnant before. Participants, on average, strongly preferred having any HIV prevention service option over none (opt‐out preference weight: −5.84 [95% CI: −5.97, −5.72]). The most important attributes were the availability of PrEP (relative importance 27.04% [95% CI: 25.98%, 28.11%]), followed by STI testing (relative importance 20.26% [95% CI: 19.52%, 21.01%]) and partner HIV testing (relative importance: 16.35% [95% CI: 15.79%, 16.90%]). While, on average, participants preferred obtaining services at the clinic more than pharmacies, women prioritized the availability of PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing more than the location or cost. Conclusions: These findings suggest the importance of providing comprehensive HIV prevention services and ensuring PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing are available. If pharmacies can offer these services, women are likely to access those services at pharmacies even if they prefer clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying the optimal approaches to offering HIV prevention to meet the needs of those at risk is a high priority, particularly given the expanding toolkit of biomedical HIV prevention options. An ongoing study in rural East African communities evaluated the uptake of choices in product, testing mode and location of care delivery through a structured patient‐centred HIV prevention delivery model. In this qualitative study, we sought to understand clients' experiences of this "dynamic choice prevention model" (DCP) and highlight pathways of action to inform HIV prevention delivery models. Methods: In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted from November 2021 through March 2022 with a purposively selected sample of n = 56 participants in DCP trials (across outpatient departments, antenatal clinics and community settings), and n = 21 healthcare providers (total n = 77). A seven‐person multi‐regional team translated and inductively coded transcript data. We used a framework analysis approach to identify emergent themes. Results: Individuals taking up HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reported feelings of relief, liberation from fears of acquiring HIV and satisfaction with being able to take action despite partners' behaviours. Couples used a range of approaches afforded by the study to persuade partners to get tested and opt for PrEP. Post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) use was less common, although women welcomed it in the event of sexual coercion or assault. Participants discussed switching from PEP to PrEP after familiarizing themselves with usage and ascertaining ongoing risk. Participants felt respected by providers, trusted them and appreciated being able to contact them directly for telephone support. Prevention uptake was hindered by stigma, limited experience with and knowledge of prevention methods, gendered and generational power dynamics within intimate partnerships and families, and negative perceptions of methods due to the products themselves. Participants anticipated long‐acting injectable PrEP could solve their challenges regarding pill size, daily pill burden and the likelihood of unwanted disclosure. Conclusions: Diverse preferences and barriers to uptake of prevention require a choice of HIV prevention options, locations and delivery modalities—but in addition, flexible, competent and friendly care provision is crucial to promote uptake. Helping clients feel valued, and addressing their unique needs and challenges, enables their agency to prioritize their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background There is some evidence that differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, which use a client-centered approach to simplify and increase access to care, improve clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in high HIV prevalence countries. Integrating economic strengthening tools (e.g., microcredit, cash transfers, food assistance) within DSD models can help address the poverty-related barriers to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Yet there is minimal evidence of the cost-effectiveness of these types of multilevel care delivery models, which potentially prohibits their wider implementation. Methods Using a qualitative systematic review, this article synthesizes the literature surrounding the cost-effectiveness of differentiated service delivery models that employ economic strengthening initiatives to improve HIV treatment adherence in low- and middle-income countries. We searched three academic databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies published from January 2000 through March 2024 in Sub-Saharan Africa. The quality of each study was scored using a validated appraisal system. Results Eighty-nine full texts were reviewed and 3 met all eligibility criteria. Two of the three included articles were specific to adolescents living with HIV. Economic strengthening opportunities varied by care model, and included developmental savings accounts, microenterprise workshops, and cash and non-cash conditional incentives. The main drivers of programmatic and per-patient costs were ART medications, CD4 cell count testing, and economic strengthening activities. Conclusion All economic evaluations in this review found that including economic strengthening as part of comprehensive differentiated service delivery was cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of at least 2 times the national per capita gross domestic product. Two of the three studies in this review focused on adolescents, suggesting that these types of care models may be especially cost-effective for youth entering adulthood. All studies were from the provider perspective, indicating that additional evidence is needed to inform the potential cost-savings of DSD and economic strengthening interventions to patients and society. Randomized trials testing the effectiveness of DSD models that integrate economic strengthening should place greater emphasis on costing these types of programs to inform the potential for bringing these types of multilevel interventions to scale.

Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) both prevent tuberculosis (TB) disease and deaths among people living with HIV. Differentiated care models, including community‐based care, can increase the uptake of ART and TPT to prevent TB in settings with a high burden of HIV‐associated TB, particularly among men. Methods: We developed a gender‐stratified dynamic model of TB and HIV transmission and disease progression among 100,000 adults ages 15−59 in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We drew model parameters from a community‐based ART initiation and resupply trial in sub‐Saharan Africa (Delivery Optimization for Antiretroviral Therapy, DO ART) and other scientific literature. We simulated the impacts of community‐based ART and TPT care programmes during 2018−2027, assuming that community‐based ART and TPT care were scaled up to similar levels as in the DO ART trial (i.e. ART coverage increasing from 49% to 82% among men and from 69% to 83% among women) and sustained for 10 years. We projected the number of TB cases, deaths and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted relative to standard, clinic‐based care. We calculated programme costs and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios from the provider perspective. Results: If community‐based ART care could be implemented with similar effectiveness to the DO ART trial, increased ART coverage could reduce TB incidence by 27.0% (range 21.3%−34.1%) and TB mortality by 34.6% (range 24.8%–42.2%) after 10 years. Increasing both ART and TPT uptake through community‐based ART with TPT care could reduce TB incidence by 29.7% (range 23.9%−36.0%) and TB mortality by 36.0% (range 26.9%−43.8%). Community‐based ART with TPT care reduced gender disparities in TB mortality rates, with a projected 54 more deaths annually among men than women (range 11–103) after 10 years of community‐based care versus 109 (range 41–182) in standard care. Over 10 years, the mean cost per DALY averted by community‐based ART with TPT care was $846 USD (range $709–$1012). Conclusions: By substantially increasing coverage of ART and TPT, community‐based care for people living with HIV could reduce TB incidence and mortality in settings with high burdens of HIV‐associated TB and reduce TB gender disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is some evidence that differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, which use a client-centered approach to simplify and increase access to care, improve clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in high HIV prevalence countries. Integrating economic strengthening tools (e.g., microcredit, cash transfers, food assistance) within DSD models can help address the poverty-related barriers to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Yet there is minimal evidence of the cost-effectiveness of these types of multilevel care delivery models, which potentially prohibits their wider implementation. Methods: Using a qualitative systematic review, this article synthesizes the literature surrounding the cost-effectiveness of differentiated service delivery models that employ economic strengthening initiatives to improve HIV treatment adherence in low- and middle-income countries. We searched three academic databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies published from January 2000 through March 2024 in Sub-Saharan Africa. The quality of each study was scored using a validated appraisal system. Results: Eighty-nine full texts were reviewed and 3 met all eligibility criteria. Two of the three included articles were specific to adolescents living with HIV. Economic strengthening opportunities varied by care model, and included developmental savings accounts, microenterprise workshops, and cash and non-cash conditional incentives. The main drivers of programmatic and per-patient costs were ART medications, CD4 cell count testing, and economic strengthening activities. Conclusion: All economic evaluations in this review found that including economic strengthening as part of comprehensive differentiated service delivery was cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of at least 2 times the national per capita gross domestic product. Two of the three studies in this review focused on adolescents, suggesting that these types of care models may be especially cost-effective for youth entering adulthood. All studies were from the provider perspective, indicating that additional evidence is needed to inform the potential cost-savings of DSD and economic strengthening interventions to patients and society. Randomized trials testing the effectiveness of DSD models that integrate economic strengthening should place greater emphasis on costing these types of programs to inform the potential for bringing these types of multilevel interventions to scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygamy is the practice of marriage to multiple partners. Approximately 6-11% of households in Uganda and 4-11% of households in Kenya are polygamous. The complex families produced by polygamous marriage customs give rise to additional considerations for healthcare providers and public health messaging around HIV care. Using 27 in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants in two studies in rural Kenya and Uganda, we analysed challenges and opportunities that polygamous families presented in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV, and provider roles in improving HIV outcomes in these families. Overall, prevention methods seemed more justifiable to families where co-wives live far apart than when all members live in the same household. In treatment, diagnosis of one member did not always lead to disclosure to other members, creating an adverse home environment; but sometimes diagnosis of one wife led not only to diagnosis of the other, but also to greater household support. Plain Language Summary: Clinical implications of HIV treatment and prevention for polygamous families in Kenya and Uganda Polygamy is the practice of marriage to multiple partners. Approximately 6-11% of households in Uganda and 4-11% of households in Kenya are polygamous. The complex families produced by polygamous marriage customs give rise to additional considerations for healthcare providers and public health messaging around HIV care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings remains a key barrier to engaging people living with HIV (PLHIV) in care. This study investigated the association between clinical encounter frequency and HIV-related anticipated, enacted, and internalized stigma among newly-diagnosed PLHIV in Rwanda. From October 2020 to May 2022, we collected data from adult PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kigali, Rwanda who were participating in a randomized, controlled trial testing early entry into differentiated care at 6 months after ART initiation. We measured anticipated HIV stigma with five-point Likert HIV Stigma Framework measures, enacted stigma with the four-point Likert HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument, and internalized stigma with the four-point Likert HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument. We used multivariable linear regression to test the associations between clinical encounter frequency (average inter-visit interval ≥ 50 days vs. < 50 days) and change in mean anticipated, enacted and internalized HIV stigma over the first 12 months in care. Among 93 individuals enrolled, 76 had complete data on encounter frequency and stigma measurements and were included in the present analysis. Mean internalized stigma scores of all participants decreased over the first 12 months in care. Anticipated and enacted stigma scores were low and did not change significantly over time. There was no association between encounter frequency and change in internalized stigma. In this pilot study of newly-diagnosed Rwandan PLHIV with relatively low levels of HIV-related stigma, clinical encounter frequency was not associated with change in stigma. Additional research in diverse settings and with larger samples is necessary to further explore this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Courier delivery has become a popular antiretroviral therapy (ART) distribution method in some HIV care settings, yet data on ART courier delivery and how it relates to ART outcomes are scarce. We studied the differences in viral suppression rates between individuals from a South African private sector HIV programme receiving ART by courier delivery and those receiving ART through traditional retail dispensing. Methods Individuals aged 15 years or older who were actively enrolled in the Aid for AIDS programme between January 2011 and July 2022 were eligible for the analysis. The outcome of interest was viral suppression defined as a viral load (VL)

Abstract Introduction Identifying the optimal approaches to offering HIV prevention to meet the needs of those at risk is a high priority, particularly given the expanding toolkit of biomedical HIV prevention options. An ongoing study in rural East African communities evaluated the uptake of choices in product, testing mode and location of care delivery through a structured patient‐centred HIV prevention delivery model. In this qualitative study, we sought to understand clients’ experiences of this “dynamic choice prevention model” (DCP) and highlight pathways of action to inform HIV prevention delivery models. Methods In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted from November 2021 through March 2022 with a purposively selected sample of n = 56 participants in DCP trials (across outpatient departments, antenatal clinics and community settings), and n = 21 healthcare providers (total n = 77). A seven‐person multi‐regional team translated and inductively coded transcript data. We used a framework analysis approach to identify emergent themes. Results Individuals taking up HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reported feelings of relief, liberation from fears of acquiring HIV and satisfaction with being able to take action despite partners’ behaviours. Couples used a range of approaches afforded by the study to persuade partners to get tested and opt for PrEP. Post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) use was less common, although women welcomed it in the event of sexual coercion or assault. Participants discussed switching from PEP to PrEP after familiarizing themselves with usage and ascertaining ongoing risk. Participants felt respected by providers, trusted them and appreciated being able to contact them directly for telephone support. Prevention uptake was hindered by stigma, limited experience with and knowledge of prevention methods, gendered and generational power dynamics within intimate partnerships and families, and negative perceptions of methods due to the products themselves. Participants anticipated long‐acting injectable PrEP could solve their challenges regarding pill size, daily pill burden and the likelihood of unwanted disclosure. Conclusions Diverse preferences and barriers to uptake of prevention require a choice of HIV prevention options, locations and delivery modalities—but in addition, flexible, competent and friendly care provision is crucial to promote uptake. Helping clients feel valued, and addressing their unique needs and challenges, enables their agency to prioritize their health.

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy‐delivered HIV prevention services might create more options for pregnant women to use HIV prevention tools earlier and more consistently during pregnancy. We quantified preferences for attributes of potential HIV prevention services among women of childbearing age in Western Kenya. Methods From June to November 2023, we administered a face‐to‐face discrete choice experiment survey to women aged 15–44 in Kenya's Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya counties. The survey evaluated preferences for HIV prevention services, described by seven attributes: service location, travel time, type of HIV test, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, partner HIV testing, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and service fee. Participants answered a series of 12‐choice questions. Each question asked them to select one of two service options or no services—an opt‐out option. We used hierarchical Bayesian modelling levels to estimate each attribute level's coefficient and understand how attributes influenced service choice. Results Overall, 599 participants completed the survey, among whom the median age was 23 years (IQR: 18–27); 33% were married, 20% had a job and worked regularly, and 52% had been pregnant before. Participants, on average, strongly preferred having any HIV prevention service option over none (opt‐out preference weight: −5.84 [95% CI: −5.97, −5.72]). The most important attributes were the availability of PrEP (relative importance 27.04% [95% CI: 25.98%, 28.11%]), followed by STI testing (relative importance 20.26% [95% CI: 19.52%, 21.01%]) and partner HIV testing (relative importance: 16.35% [95% CI: 15.79%, 16.90%]). While, on average, participants preferred obtaining services at the clinic more than pharmacies, women prioritized the availability of PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing more than the location or cost. Conclusions These findings suggest the importance of providing comprehensive HIV prevention services and ensuring PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing are available. If pharmacies can offer these services, women are likely to access those services at pharmacies even if they prefer clinics.

Abstract Background Over one-third of people living with HIV (PLH) in Ukraine are not on treatment. Index testing services, which link potentially exposed partners (named partners) of known PLH (index patients) with testing and treatment services, are being scaled in Ukraine and could potentially close this gap. Methods This retrospective study included patient data from 14,554 adult PLH who initiated antiretroviral treatment (ART) between October 2018 and May 2021 at one of 35 facilities participating in an intervention to strengthen index testing services. Mixed effects modified Poisson models were used to assess differences between named partners and other ART initiators, and an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was used to assess changes in ART initiation over time. Results Compared to other ART initiators, named partners were significantly less likely to have a confirmed TB diagnosis (aRR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.77, p

Abstract Introduction Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) both prevent tuberculosis (TB) disease and deaths among people living with HIV. Differentiated care models, including community‐based care, can increase the uptake of ART and TPT to prevent TB in settings with a high burden of HIV‐associated TB, particularly among men. Methods We developed a gender‐stratified dynamic model of TB and HIV transmission and disease progression among 100,000 adults ages 15−59 in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We drew model parameters from a community‐based ART initiation and resupply trial in sub‐Saharan Africa (Delivery Optimization for Antiretroviral Therapy, DO ART) and other scientific literature. We simulated the impacts of community‐based ART and TPT care programmes during 2018−2027, assuming that community‐based ART and TPT care were scaled up to similar levels as in the DO ART trial (i.e. ART coverage increasing from 49% to 82% among men and from 69% to 83% among women) and sustained for 10 years. We projected the number of TB cases, deaths and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted relative to standard, clinic‐based care. We calculated programme costs and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios from the provider perspective. Results If community‐based ART care could be implemented with similar effectiveness to the DO ART trial, increased ART coverage could reduce TB incidence by 27.0% (range 21.3%−34.1%) and TB mortality by 34.6% (range 24.8%–42.2%) after 10 years. Increasing both ART and TPT uptake through community‐based ART with TPT care could reduce TB incidence by 29.7% (range 23.9%−36.0%) and TB mortality by 36.0% (range 26.9%−43.8%). Community‐based ART with TPT care reduced gender disparities in TB mortality rates, with a projected 54 more deaths annually among men than women (range 11–103) after 10 years of community‐based care versus 109 (range 41–182) in standard care. Over 10 years, the mean cost per DALY averted by community‐based ART with TPT care was $846 USD (range $709–$1012). Conclusions By substantially increasing coverage of ART and TPT, community‐based care for people living with HIV could reduce TB incidence and mortality in settings with high burdens of HIV‐associated TB and reduce TB gender disparities.

Background: Differentiated service delivery models are implemented by HIV care programs globally, but models for pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (PPWH) are lacking. We conducted a discrete choice experiment to determine women's preferences for differentiated service delivery. Setting: Five public health facilities in western Kenya. Methods: PPWH were enrolled from April to December 2022 and asked to choose between pairs of hypothetical clinics that differed across 5 attributes: clinic visit frequency during pregnancy (monthly vs. every 2 months), postpartum visit frequency (monthly vs. only with routine infant immunizations), seeing a mentor mother (each visit vs. as needed), seeing a clinician (each visit vs. as needed), and basic consultation cost (0, 50, or 100 Kenya Shillings [KSh]). We used multinomial logit modeling to determine the relative effects (b) of each attribute on clinic choice. Results: Among 250 PPWH (median age 31 years, 42% pregnant, 58% postpartum, 20% with a gap in care), preferences were for pregnancy visits every 2 months (b = 0.15), postpartum visits with infant immunizations (b = 0.36), seeing a mentor mother and clinician each visit (b = 0.05 and 0.08, respectively), and 0 KSh cost (b = 0.39). Preferences were similar when stratified by age, pregnancy, and retention status. At the same cost, predicted market choice for a clinic model with fewer pregnant/postpartum visits was 75% versus 25% for the standard of care (ie, monthly visits during pregnancy/postpartum). Conclusion: PPWH prefer fewer clinic visits than currently provided within the standard of care in Kenya, supporting the need for implementation of differentiated service delivery for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: HIV self‐testing (HIVST) has the potential to support daily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in private pharmacies, but many national guidelines have not approved HIVST for PrEP dispensing. In Kenya, pharmacy providers are permitted to deliver HIVST, but often do not have the required certification to deliver rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). We estimated the performance of provider‐delivered HIVST compared to RDT, the standard of care for PrEP delivery, at private pharmacies in Kenya to inform decisions on the use of HIVST for PrEP scale‐up. Methods: At 20 pharmacies in Kisumu County, we trained pharmacy providers (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) on blood‐based HIVST use and client assistance (if requested). We recruited pharmacy clients purchasing sexual and reproductive health‐related products (e.g. condoms) and enrolled those ≥18 years with self‐reported behaviours associated with HIV risk. Enrolled clients received HIVST with associated provider counselling, followed by RDT by a certified HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Pharmacy providers and clients independently interpreted HIVST results prior to RDT (results interpreted only by the HTS counsellor). We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of pharmacy provider‐delivered HIVST compared to HTS counsellor‐administered RDT. Results: Between March and June 2022, we screened 1691 clients and enrolled 1500; 64% (954/1500) were female and the median age was 26 years (IQR 22–31). We additionally enrolled 40 providers; 42% (17/40) were pharmacy owners and their median years of experience was 6 (IQR 4–10). The majority (79%, 1190/1500) of clients requested provider assistance with HIVST and providers spent a median of 20 minutes (IQR 15–43) with each HIVST client. The sensitivity of provider‐delivered HIVST at the pharmacy was high when interpreted by providers (98.5%, 95% CI 97.8%, 99.1%) and clients (98.8%, 95% CI 98.0%, 99.3%), as was the specificity of HIVST in this setting (provider‐interpretation: 96.9%, 95% CI 89.2%, 99.6%; client‐interpretation: 93.8%, 95% CI 84.8%, 98.3%). Conclusions: When compared to the national HIV testing algorithm, provider‐delivered blood‐based HIVST at private pharmacies in Kenya performed well. These findings suggest that blood‐based HIVST may be a useful tool to support PrEP initiation and continuation at private pharmacies and potentially other community‐based delivery settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversified antiretroviral therapy (ART) approach is needed in methods that were acceptable to communities and maintain good viral suppression outcomes to reach the UNAIDS targets to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. Ethiopia is fully implementing differentiated service delivery (DSD) approaches, appointment spacing, and standard care. This study aimed to determine the time to HIV virological failure and its predictors among patients with a DSD model. An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted with data collection dates ranging from May 1, 2021, to May 30, 2021. All adult HIV-positive patients (n = 2,148) between January 2018 and January 2021 were a source population. Data were extracted using a standard checklist by trained data collectors and entered into EpiData, exported to SPSS version 20 for data management, and then exported to R Studio version 1.4 for analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed. The incidence of virological failure was 86 per 10,000 person-months. The independent predictors for the hazard of virological failure were being on standard care [adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) = 1.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–3.40], primarily educated (AHR = 3.46; 95% CI 1.02–11.72), having no education (AHR = 3.45; 95% CI 1.01–11.85), and ambulatory status at baseline (AHR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.06–3.09). Patients who had a viral load with a detectable range from 50 to 999 at engagement (AHR = 2.65; 95% CI 1.33–5.27) and a 1-month increase in ART for HIV patients (AHR = 1.045; 95% CI 1.01–1.09). The incidence of virological failure was 86 per 10,000 person-months, whereas the incidences were 52 per 10,000 person-months and 71 per 10,000 person-months on appointment spacing model and standard care, respectively, with independent predictors: patient category, educational status, baseline functional status, viral load at engagement, and duration of ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Adherence is key to the treatment success of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and prevention of community transmission. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the recommended approach for the management of patients with MDR-TB. Uganda implements a health facility-based DOT approach where all patients diagnosed with MDR-TB report to the nearest private or public health facility for daily observation of ingesting their medicines by a health care provider. Directly observed therapy is very costly for both the patient and health care system. It follows the assumption that MDR TB patients have a history of poor adherence to TB treatment. But only 21% of MDR-TB patients notified globally and 1.4–12% notified in Uganda had been previously treated for TB. The shift to all oral treatment regimen for MDR-TB provides an opportunity for the exploration of self-administered therapy for this group of patients even with use of remotely operated adherence technology. We are conducting a non-inferiority open-label randomized controlled trial to compare adherence to MDR-TB treatment among patients on self-administered therapy (measured by Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS) technology) with a control group on DOT. Methods We plan to enrol 164 newly diagnosed MDR-TB patients aged ≥ 8 years from three regional hospitals based in rural and urban Uganda. Patients with conditions that affect their dexterity and ability to operate the MEMS-operated medicine equipment will not be eligible to participate in the trial. Patients are randomized to either of the two study arms: self-administered therapy with adherence being monitored using MEMS technology (intervention arm) or health facility-based DOT (control arm) and will be followed up monthly. Adherence is measured by the number of days the medicine bottle is open to access medication as recorded by the MEMS software in the intervention arm and treatment complaint days as recorded in the TB treatment card in the control arm. The primary outcome is the comparison of adherence rates between the two study arms. Discussion The evaluation of self-administered therapy for patients with MDR-TB is important to inform cost-effective management strategies for these patients. The approval of all oral regimens for the treatment of MDR-TB provides an opportunity for innovations such as MEMS technology to support sustainable options for MDR-TB treatment adherence support in low-resource settings. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, Cochrane #PACTR202205876377808. Retrospectively registered on 13 May 2022

Abstract Introduction HIV self‐testing (HIVST) has the potential to support daily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in private pharmacies, but many national guidelines have not approved HIVST for PrEP dispensing. In Kenya, pharmacy providers are permitted to deliver HIVST, but often do not have the required certification to deliver rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). We estimated the performance of provider‐delivered HIVST compared to RDT, the standard of care for PrEP delivery, at private pharmacies in Kenya to inform decisions on the use of HIVST for PrEP scale‐up. Methods At 20 pharmacies in Kisumu County, we trained pharmacy providers (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) on blood‐based HIVST use and client assistance (if requested). We recruited pharmacy clients purchasing sexual and reproductive health‐related products (e.g. condoms) and enrolled those ≥18 years with self‐reported behaviours associated with HIV risk. Enrolled clients received HIVST with associated provider counselling, followed by RDT by a certified HIV testing services (HTS) counsellor. Pharmacy providers and clients independently interpreted HIVST results prior to RDT (results interpreted only by the HTS counsellor). We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of pharmacy provider‐delivered HIVST compared to HTS counsellor‐administered RDT. Results Between March and June 2022, we screened 1691 clients and enrolled 1500; 64% (954/1500) were female and the median age was 26 years (IQR 22–31). We additionally enrolled 40 providers; 42% (17/40) were pharmacy owners and their median years of experience was 6 (IQR 4–10). The majority (79%, 1190/1500) of clients requested provider assistance with HIVST and providers spent a median of 20 minutes (IQR 15–43) with each HIVST client. The sensitivity of provider‐delivered HIVST at the pharmacy was high when interpreted by providers (98.5%, 95% CI 97.8%, 99.1%) and clients (98.8%, 95% CI 98.0%, 99.3%), as was the specificity of HIVST in this setting (provider‐interpretation: 96.9%, 95% CI 89.2%, 99.6%; client‐interpretation: 93.8%, 95% CI 84.8%, 98.3%). Conclusions When compared to the national HIV testing algorithm, provider‐delivered blood‐based HIVST at private pharmacies in Kenya performed well. These findings suggest that blood‐based HIVST may be a useful tool to support PrEP initiation and continuation at private pharmacies and potentially other community‐based delivery settings.

Introduction: There is an urgent need for more efficient models of differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery for people living with HIV (PLHIV), with the World Health Organization calling for evidence to guide whether annual ART prescriptions and consultations (12M scripts) should be recommended in global guidelines. We assessed the association between 12M scripts (allowed temporarily during the COVID‐19 pandemic) versus standard 6‐month prescriptions and consultations (6M scripts) and clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using routine, de‐identified data from 59 public clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We included PLHIV aged ≥18 years with a recent suppressed viral load (VL) who had been referred for community ART delivery with 6M or 12M scripts. We used modified Poisson regression to compare 12‐month retention‐in‐care (≤90 days late for all visits) and viral suppression (<50 copies/ml) between prescription groups. Results: Among 27,148 PLHIV referred for community ART during Jun–Dec 2020, 57.4% received 12M scripts. The median age was 39 years and 69.4% were women. Age, sex, prior community ART use and time on ART were similar across groups. However, more of the 12M script group had dolutegravir‐based regimens (60.0% vs. 46.3%). The median (interquartile range) number of clinic visits in the year of follow‐up was 1(1‐1) in the 12M group and 2(2‐3) in the 6M group. Retention was 94.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.2%–94.9%) among those receiving 12M scripts and 91.8% (95% CI: 91.3%–92.3%) among those with 6M scripts. 17.1% and 16.9% of clients in the 12M and 6M groups were missing follow‐up VL data, respectively. Among those with VLs, 92.4% (95% CI: 92.0%–92.9%) in the 12M group and 91.4% (95% CI: 90.8%–92.0%) in the 6M group were suppressed. After adjusting for age, sex, ART regimen, time on ART, prior community ART use and calendar month, retention (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and suppression (aRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99–1.01) were similar across groups. Conclusions: Among PLHIV referred for community ART with a recent suppressed VL, the use of 12M scripts reduced clinic visits without impacting short‐term clinical outcomes. 12M scripts should be considered for differentiated service delivery programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is little data on long‐term implementation and outcomes for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery programmes. We aimed to analyse usage patterns of and associated treatment outcomes in a community ART programme, within the Centralized Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution programme, in South Africa over 3.5 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study among PLHIV on first‐line ART who were eligible for community ART delivery between October 2016 and March 2019, from 56 urban clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Follow‐up ended in March 2020. We measured referral rates and, among those referred, we characterized patterns of community ART usage using group‐based trajectory modelling following referral. We used survival analysis to measure the association between community ART usage and loss‐to‐care (no visit for ≥365 days) and logistic regression to measure the association between community ART usage and viraemia (≥50 copies/ml). Results: Among the 80,801 patients eligible for community ART, the median age was 36 years, 69.8% were female and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up time was 22 (13–31) months. In total, 49,961 (61.8%) were referred after a median of 6 (IQR 2–13) months from first eligibility. After referral, time spent in community ART varied; 42% remained consistently in community ART, 15% returned to consistent clinic‐based care and the remaining 43% oscillated between community ART and clinic‐based care. Following referral, the incidence of loss‐to‐care was 3.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.71–4.15) per 100 person‐years during periods of community ART usage compared to 5.75 (95% CI: 5.28–6.25) during clinic‐based care. In multivariable models, community ART usage was associated with a 36% reduction in the hazards of loss‐to‐care (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.64 [95% CI: 0.57–0.72]). The proportion of patients who became viraemic after first community ART referral was 5.2% and a 10% increase in time in community ART was associated with a 3% reduction in odds of viraemia (adjusted odds ratio: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.95–0.99]). Conclusions: Community ART usage patterns vary considerably, while clinical outcomes were good. Promoting consistent community ART usage may reduce clinic burden and the likelihood of patients being lost to care, while sustaining viral suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Miyingo,1 Teddy Mpayenda,1 Ruth Nyole,1 Joan Ayinembabazi,2 Mujib Ssepuuya,3 Eddie Marvin Ssebuwufu,4 Sean Steven Puleh,3 Samson Udho,1 Amir Kabunga2 1Department of Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 2Department of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 3Department of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda; 4Department of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu City, UgandaCorrespondence: Amir Kabunga, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, P.O BOX 1035, Lira City, Northern Uganda, Email akabunga@lirauni.ac.ugBackground: Differentiated service delivery models for people living with HIV continue to be scaled up to expand access to HIV services and treatment continuity. However, there is a gap in information on adolescents’ perspectives on community-based models. We aimed to explore the perspectives of adolescents living with HIV on community-based models in northern Uganda.Materials and Methods: Between February and March 2022, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study at two health centres IV in Northern Uganda. Data was collected using an interview guide. The study had 25 purposively selected adolescents enrolled in community-based models for HIV care and treatment. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated. We analyzed data using a thematic approach.Results: A total of 25 in-depth interviews with HIV-positive adolescents were conducted. More than half (52.0%) of the participants were females, 84.0% were not married, and 44.0% had no formal education. The mean age of the respondents was 15.6 (± 1.9) years. The major themes were: community-based models currently accessed by adolescents, benefits, and challenges of the models. Although there are other community-based models (community pharmacies, home ART deliveries) our exploration only discovered two models used by these adolescents to access care, namely, Community Drug Distribution Point (CDDP) and Community Client-Led ART Delivery Groups (CCLADs). The benefits included reduced transportation costs, convenient service access, ART adherence, peer support, a comfortable environment and less stress. However, our results indicate that these models had some challenges, including lack of confidentiality and privacy, perceived stigma, and a lack of face-to-face interaction.Conclusion: Our findings show that CDDP and CCLADs are the two CBMs used by adolescents in Lira District to access treatment and care. Adolescents benefited from these models through reduced transport costs, the convenience of accessing HIV care and treatment, and social support. The challenges associated with these models are lack of confidentiality and privacy, perceived stigma, and a lack of face-to-face interaction. The Ministry of Health should work with other implementing partners to strengthen the implementation of these models to improve HIV/AIDS service delivery for adolescents.Keywords: adolescents, differentiated care, community-based model

Abstract Background The Harambee study is a cluster randomized trial in Western Kenya that tests the effect, mechanisms, and cost-effectiveness of integrating community-based HIV and non-communicable disease care within microfinance groups on chronic disease treatment outcomes. This paper documents the stages of our feasibility study conducted in preparation for the Harambee trial, which include (1) characterizing the target population and gauging recruitment capacity, (2) determining community acceptability of the integrated intervention and study procedures, and (3) identifying key implementation considerations prior to study start. Methods Feasibility research took place between November 2019 and February 2020 in Western Kenya. Mixed methods data collection included surveys administered to 115 leaders of 105 community-based microfinance groups, 7 in-person meetings and two workshops with stakeholders from multiple sectors of the health system, and ascertainment of field notes and geographic coordinates for group meeting locations and HIV healthcare facilities. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using STATA IC/13. Longitude and latitude coordinates were mapped to county boundaries using Esri ArcMap. Qualitative data obtained from stakeholder meetings and field notes were analyzed thematically. Results Of the 105 surveyed microfinance groups, 77 met eligibility criteria. Eligible groups had been in existence from 6 months to 18 years and had an average of 22 members. The majority (64%) of groups had at least one member who owned a smartphone. The definition of “active” membership and model of saving and lending differed across groups. Stakeholders perceived the community-based intervention and trial procedures to be acceptable given the minimal risks to participants and the potential to improve HIV treatment outcomes while facilitating care integration. Potential challenges identified by stakeholders included possible conflicts between the trial and existing community-based interventions, fear of group disintegration prior to trial end, clinicians’ inability to draw blood for viral load testing in the community, and deviations from standard care protocols. Conclusions This study revealed that it was feasible to recruit the number of microfinance groups necessary to ensure that our clinical trial was sufficient powered. Elicitation of stakeholder feedback confirmed that the planned intervention was largely acceptable and was critical to identifying challenges prior to implementation. Trial registration The original trial was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04417127) on 4 June 2020.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) causes one‐third of HIV‐related deaths worldwide, making TB preventive treatment (TPT) a critical element of HIV programmes. Approximately 16% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretrovirals in Zimbabwe are enrolled in the Fast Track (FT) differentiated service delivery model, which includes multi‐month dispensing of antiretrovirals and quarterly health facility (HF) visits. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing FT to deliver 3HP (3 months of once‐weekly rifapentine and isoniazid) for TPT by aligning TPT and HIV visits, providing multi‐month dispensing of 3HP, and using phone‐based monitoring and adherence support. Methods: We recruited a purposive sample of 50 PLHIV enrolled in FT at a high‐volume HF in urban Zimbabwe. At enrolment, participants provided written informed consent, completed a baseline survey, and received counselling, education and a 3‐month supply of 3HP. A study nurse mentor called participants at weeks 2, 4 and 8 to monitor and support adherence and side effects. When participants returned for their routine 3‐month FT visit, they completed another survey, and study staff conducted a structured medical record review. In‐depth interviews were conducted with providers who participated in the pilot. Results: Participants were enrolled between April and June 2021 and followed through September 2021. Median age = 32 years (IQR 24,41), 50% female, median time in FT 1.8 years (IQR 0.8,2.7). Forty‐eight participants (96%) completed 3HP in 13 weeks; one completed in 16 weeks, and one stopped due to jaundice. Most participants (94%) reported "always" or "almost always" taking 3HP correctly. All reported they were very satisfied with the counselling, education, support and quality of care they received from providers and FT service efficiency. Almost all (98%) said they would recommend it to other PLHIV. Challenges reported included pill burden (12%) and tolerability (24%), but none had difficulty with phone‐based counselling or wished for additional HF‐based visits. Discussion: Using FT to deliver 3HP was feasible and acceptable. Some reported tolerability challenges but 98% completed 3HP, and all appreciated the efficiency of aligning TPT and HIV HF visits, multi‐month dispensing and phone‐based counselling. Conclusions: Scaling up this approach could expand TPT coverage in Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine whether the Centralized Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program in South Africa's differentiated ART delivery model affects clinical outcomes, we assessed viral load (VL) suppression and retention in care between patients participating in the program and those receiving the clinic-based standard of care. Methods: Clinically stable people living with HIV (PLHIV) eligible for differentiated care were referred to the national CCMDD program and followed up for up to 6 months. In this secondary analysis of trial cohort data, we estimated the association between routine patient participation in the CCMDD program and their clinical outcomes of viral suppression (<200 copies/mL) and retention in care. Results: Among 390 PLHIV, 236 (61%) were assessed for CCMDD eligibility; 144 (37%) were eligible, and 116 (30%) participated in the CCMDD program. Participants obtained their ART in a timely manner at 93% (265/286) of CCMDD visits. VL suppression and retention in care was very similar among CCMDD-eligible patients who participated in the program compared with patients who did not participate in the program (aRR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.94–1.12). VL suppression alone (aRR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.97–1.08) and retention in care alone (aRR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.95–1.12) were also similar between CCMDD-eligible PLHIV who participated in the program and those who did not. Conclusion: The CCMDD program successfully facilitated differentiated care among clinically stable participants. PLHIV participating in the CCMDD program maintained a high proportion of viral suppression and retention in care, indicating that community-based ART delivery model did not negatively affect their HIV care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence is key to the treatment success of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and prevention of community transmission. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the recommended approach for the management of patients with MDR-TB. Uganda implements a health facility-based DOT approach where all patients diagnosed with MDR-TB report to the nearest private or public health facility for daily observation of ingesting their medicines by a health care provider. Directly observed therapy is very costly for both the patient and health care system. It follows the assumption that MDR TB patients have a history of poor adherence to TB treatment. But only 21% of MDR-TB patients notified globally and 1.4–12% notified in Uganda had been previously treated for TB. The shift to all oral treatment regimen for MDR-TB provides an opportunity for the exploration of self-administered therapy for this group of patients even with use of remotely operated adherence technology. We are conducting a non-inferiority open-label randomized controlled trial to compare adherence to MDR-TB treatment among patients on self-administered therapy (measured by Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS) technology) with a control group on DOT. Methods: We plan to enrol 164 newly diagnosed MDR-TB patients aged ≥ 8 years from three regional hospitals based in rural and urban Uganda. Patients with conditions that affect their dexterity and ability to operate the MEMS-operated medicine equipment will not be eligible to participate in the trial. Patients are randomized to either of the two study arms: self-administered therapy with adherence being monitored using MEMS technology (intervention arm) or health facility-based DOT (control arm) and will be followed up monthly. Adherence is measured by the number of days the medicine bottle is open to access medication as recorded by the MEMS software in the intervention arm and treatment complaint days as recorded in the TB treatment card in the control arm. The primary outcome is the comparison of adherence rates between the two study arms. Discussion: The evaluation of self-administered therapy for patients with MDR-TB is important to inform cost-effective management strategies for these patients. The approval of all oral regimens for the treatment of MDR-TB provides an opportunity for innovations such as MEMS technology to support sustainable options for MDR-TB treatment adherence support in low-resource settings. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, Cochrane #PACTR202205876377808. Retrospectively registered on 13 May 2022 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction There is an urgent need for more efficient models of differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery for people living with HIV (PLHIV), with the World Health Organization calling for evidence to guide whether annual ART prescriptions and consultations (12M scripts) should be recommended in global guidelines. We assessed the association between 12M scripts (allowed temporarily during the COVID‐19 pandemic) versus standard 6‐month prescriptions and consultations (6M scripts) and clinical outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using routine, de‐identified data from 59 public clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We included PLHIV aged ≥18 years with a recent suppressed viral load (VL) who had been referred for community ART delivery with 6M or 12M scripts. We used modified Poisson regression to compare 12‐month retention‐in‐care (≤90 days late for all visits) and viral suppression (

Abstract Introduction There is little data on long‐term implementation and outcomes for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery programmes. We aimed to analyse usage patterns of and associated treatment outcomes in a community ART programme, within the Centralized Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution programme, in South Africa over 3.5 years. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study among PLHIV on first‐line ART who were eligible for community ART delivery between October 2016 and March 2019, from 56 urban clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Follow‐up ended in March 2020. We measured referral rates and, among those referred, we characterized patterns of community ART usage using group‐based trajectory modelling following referral. We used survival analysis to measure the association between community ART usage and loss‐to‐care (no visit for ≥365 days) and logistic regression to measure the association between community ART usage and viraemia (≥50 copies/ml). Results Among the 80,801 patients eligible for community ART, the median age was 36 years, 69.8% were female and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up time was 22 (13–31) months. In total, 49,961 (61.8%) were referred after a median of 6 (IQR 2–13) months from first eligibility. After referral, time spent in community ART varied; 42% remained consistently in community ART, 15% returned to consistent clinic‐based care and the remaining 43% oscillated between community ART and clinic‐based care. Following referral, the incidence of loss‐to‐care was 3.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.71–4.15) per 100 person‐years during periods of community ART usage compared to 5.75 (95% CI: 5.28–6.25) during clinic‐based care. In multivariable models, community ART usage was associated with a 36% reduction in the hazards of loss‐to‐care (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.64 [95% CI: 0.57–0.72]). The proportion of patients who became viraemic after first community ART referral was 5.2% and a 10% increase in time in community ART was associated with a 3% reduction in odds of viraemia (adjusted odds ratio: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.95–0.99]). Conclusions Community ART usage patterns vary considerably, while clinical outcomes were good. Promoting consistent community ART usage may reduce clinic burden and the likelihood of patients being lost to care, while sustaining viral suppression.

Abstract Background In South Africa, 60% of female sex workers (FSW) are living with HIV, many of whom experience structural and individual barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and adherence. Community-based decentralized treatment provision (DTP) may mitigate these barriers. To characterize optimal implementation strategies, we explored preferences for DTP among FSW living with HIV in Durban, South Africa. Methods Thirty-nine semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with FSW living with HIV (n = 24), and key informants (n = 15) including HIV program implementers, security personnel, and brothel managers. Participants were recruited using maximum variation and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted in English or isiZulu between September–November 2017 and analyzed using grounded theory in Atlas.ti 8. Results DTP was described as an intervention that could address barriers to ART adherence and retention, minimizing transport costs, time and wage loss from clinic visits, and act as a safety net to address FSW mobility and clinic access challenges. Respondents highlighted contextual considerations for DTP and suggested that DTP should be venue-based, scheduled during less busy times and days, and integrate comprehensive health services including psychological, reproductive, and non-communicable disease services. ART packaging and storage were important for community-based delivery, and participants suggested DTP should be implemented by sex work sensitized staff with discrete uniform and vehicle branding. Conclusions Incorporating FSW preferences may support implementation optimization and requires balancing of tensions between preferences and feasibility. These data suggest the potential utility of DTP for FSW as a strategy to address those most marginalized from current ART programs in South Africa.

Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) causes one‐third of HIV‐related deaths worldwide, making TB preventive treatment (TPT) a critical element of HIV programmes. Approximately 16% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretrovirals in Zimbabwe are enrolled in the Fast Track (FT) differentiated service delivery model, which includes multi‐month dispensing of antiretrovirals and quarterly health facility (HF) visits. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing FT to deliver 3HP (3 months of once‐weekly rifapentine and isoniazid) for TPT by aligning TPT and HIV visits, providing multi‐month dispensing of 3HP, and using phone‐based monitoring and adherence support. Methods We recruited a purposive sample of 50 PLHIV enrolled in FT at a high‐volume HF in urban Zimbabwe. At enrolment, participants provided written informed consent, completed a baseline survey, and received counselling, education and a 3‐month supply of 3HP. A study nurse mentor called participants at weeks 2, 4 and 8 to monitor and support adherence and side effects. When participants returned for their routine 3‐month FT visit, they completed another survey, and study staff conducted a structured medical record review. In‐depth interviews were conducted with providers who participated in the pilot. Results Participants were enrolled between April and June 2021 and followed through September 2021. Median age = 32 years (IQR 24,41), 50% female, median time in FT 1.8 years (IQR 0.8,2.7). Forty‐eight participants (96%) completed 3HP in 13 weeks; one completed in 16 weeks, and one stopped due to jaundice. Most participants (94%) reported “always” or “almost always” taking 3HP correctly. All reported they were very satisfied with the counselling, education, support and quality of care they received from providers and FT service efficiency. Almost all (98%) said they would recommend it to other PLHIV. Challenges reported included pill burden (12%) and tolerability (24%), but none had difficulty with phone‐based counselling or wished for additional HF‐based visits. Discussion Using FT to deliver 3HP was feasible and acceptable. Some reported tolerability challenges but 98% completed 3HP, and all appreciated the efficiency of aligning TPT and HIV HF visits, multi‐month dispensing and phone‐based counselling. Conclusions Scaling up this approach could expand TPT coverage in Zimbabwe.

During public health crises, people living with HIV (PLWH) may become disengaged from care. The goal of this study was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flooding disasters on HIV care delivery in western Kenya. We conducted ten individual in-depth interviews with HIV providers across four health facilities. We used an iterative and integrated inductive and deductive data analysis approach to generate four themes. First, increased structural interruptions created exacerbating strain on health facilities. Second, there was increased physical and psychosocial burnout among providers. Third, patient uptake of services along the HIV continuum decreased, particularly among vulnerable patients. Finally, existing community-based programs and teleconsultations could be adapted to provide differentiated HIV care. Community-centric care programs, with an emphasis on overcoming the social, economic, and structural barriers will be crucial to ensure optimal care and limit the impact of public health disruptions on HIV care globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for female sex workers (FSWs) continue to be scaled up with the goal of expanding access to HIV services and treatment continuity. However, little is known about FSWs’ perspectives on their preferences, facilitators, and barriers to the effective utilization of various DSD models. Methods We conducted 24 in-depth interviews among FSWs on antiretroviral therapy for at least one year in two drop-in centres and two public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda in January 2021. Results The facility-based individual management model was most preferred, due to a wide array of comprehensive health services, privacy, and professional health workers. Community DSD models were physically accessible, but least preferred due to stigmatization and discrimination, lack of privacy and confidentiality, and limited health services offered. Conclusion Targeted strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination and the provision of high-quality services have potential to optimise FSWs’ access to HIV services.

Background: The Harambee study is a cluster randomized trial in Western Kenya that tests the effect, mechanisms, and cost-effectiveness of integrating community-based HIV and non-communicable disease care within microfinance groups on chronic disease treatment outcomes. This paper documents the stages of our feasibility study conducted in preparation for the Harambee trial, which include (1) characterizing the target population and gauging recruitment capacity, (2) determining community acceptability of the integrated intervention and study procedures, and (3) identifying key implementation considerations prior to study start. Methods: Feasibility research took place between November 2019 and February 2020 in Western Kenya. Mixed methods data collection included surveys administered to 115 leaders of 105 community-based microfinance groups, 7 in-person meetings and two workshops with stakeholders from multiple sectors of the health system, and ascertainment of field notes and geographic coordinates for group meeting locations and HIV healthcare facilities. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using STATA IC/13. Longitude and latitude coordinates were mapped to county boundaries using Esri ArcMap. Qualitative data obtained from stakeholder meetings and field notes were analyzed thematically. Results: Of the 105 surveyed microfinance groups, 77 met eligibility criteria. Eligible groups had been in existence from 6 months to 18 years and had an average of 22 members. The majority (64%) of groups had at least one member who owned a smartphone. The definition of "active" membership and model of saving and lending differed across groups. Stakeholders perceived the community-based intervention and trial procedures to be acceptable given the minimal risks to participants and the potential to improve HIV treatment outcomes while facilitating care integration. Potential challenges identified by stakeholders included possible conflicts between the trial and existing community-based interventions, fear of group disintegration prior to trial end, clinicians' inability to draw blood for viral load testing in the community, and deviations from standard care protocols. Conclusions: This study revealed that it was feasible to recruit the number of microfinance groups necessary to ensure that our clinical trial was sufficient powered. Elicitation of stakeholder feedback confirmed that the planned intervention was largely acceptable and was critical to identifying challenges prior to implementation. Trial registration: The original trial was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04417127) on 4 June 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: The potential disruption in antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in Africa at the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic raised concern for increased morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We describe HIV treatment trends before and during the pandemic and interventions implemented to mitigate COVID‐19 impact among countries supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Methods: We analysed quantitative and qualitative data reported by 10,387 PEPFAR‐CDC‐supported ART sites in 19 African countries between October 2019 and March 2021. Trends in PLHIV on ART, new ART initiations and treatment interruptions were assessed. Viral load coverage (testing of eligible PLHIV) and viral suppression were calculated at select time points. Qualitative data were analysed to summarize facility‐ and community‐based interventions implemented to mitigate COVID‐19. Results: The total number of PLHIV on ART increased quarterly from October 2019 (n = 7,540,592) to March 2021 (n = 8,513,572). The adult population (≥15 years) on ART increased by 14.0% (7,005,959–7,983,793), while the paediatric population (<15 years) on ART declined by 2.6% (333,178–324,441). However, the number of new ART initiations dropped between March 2020 and June 2020 by 23.4% for adults and 26.1% for children, with more rapid recovery in adults than children from September 2020 onwards. Viral load coverage increased slightly from April 2020 to March 2021 (75–78%) and viral load suppression increased from October 2019 to March 2021 (91–94%) among adults and children combined. The most reported interventions included multi‐month dispensing (MMD) of ART, community service delivery expansion, and technology and virtual platforms use for client engagement and site‐level monitoring. MMD of ≥3 months increased from 52% in October 2019 to 78% of PLHIV ≥ age 15 on ART in March 2021. Conclusions: With an overall increase in the number of people on ART, HIV programmes proved to be resilient, mitigating the impact of COVID‐19. However, the decline in the number of children on ART warrants urgent investigation and interventions to prevent further losses experienced during the COVID‐19 pandemic and future public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transgender and gender‐diverse communities in Zambia are highly vulnerable and experience healthcare differently than cisgender persons. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) supports projects in Zambia to improve HIV case‐finding, linkage and antiretroviral treatment (ART) for Zambia's transgender community. We describe programme strategies and outcomes for HIV prevention, testing and ART linkage among transgender communities. Methods: UMB utilizes a differentiated service delivery model whereby community health workers (CHWs) recruited from key populations (KPs) reach community members through a peer‐to‐peer approach, with the support of local transgender civil society organizations (CSOs) and community gatekeepers. Peer CHWs are trained and certified as HIV testers and psychosocial counsellors to offer counselling with HIV testing and prevention services in identified safe spaces. HIV‐negative people at risk of HIV infection are offered pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), while those who test positive for HIV are linked to ART services. CHWs collect data using the standardized facility and community tools and a dedicated DHIS2 database system. We conducted a descriptive analysis examining HIV testing and prevention outcomes using proportions and comparisons by time period and geographic strata. Results: From October 2020 to June 2021, across Eastern, Lusaka, Western and Southern Provinces, 1860 transgender persons were reached with HIV prevention messages and services. Of these, 424 (23%) were tested for HIV and 78 (18%) tested positive. Of the 346 HIV‐negative persons, 268 (78%) eligible transgender individuals were initiated on PrEP. ART linkage was 97%, with 76 out of the 78 transgender individuals living with HIV initiating treatment. Programme strategies that supported testing and linkage included peer CHWs, social network strategy testing, same‐day ART initiation and local KP CSO support. Challenges included non‐transgender‐friendly environments, stigma and discrimination, the high transiency of the transgender community and the non‐availability of transgender‐specific health services, such as hormonal therapy. Conclusions: Peer KP CHWs were able to reach many members of the transgender community, providing safe HIV testing, PrEP services and linkage to care. Focusing on community gatekeepers and CSOs to disburse health messages and employ welcoming strategies supported high linkage to both PrEP and ART for transgender people in Zambia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Retention of patients in HIV care is a critical barrier to reaching the UNAIDS 90–90-90 goals in South Africa. In January 2019, Anova Health Institute launched a campaign to encourage patients who had interrupted antiretroviral therapy to return to care. The Welcome Back campaign included training of health care workers and implementation of Médecins Sans Frontiers Welcome Services principles. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of healthcare workers managing patients reinitiating antiretroviral therapy following training, including barriers and facilitators to implementation. Methods Data were collected from six clinics. This study consisted of three components: 1) surveys; 2) semi-structured interviews and 3) reflexive feedback sessions. Each component covered staff attitudes and facility management of patients reinitiating antiretroviral therapy. A descriptive analysis was conducted of survey responses. A thematic approach was used to analyze interviews. Results Thirty-six healthcare workers completed the survey and interview. Following analysis, feedback sessions were conducted with 99 healthcare workers. Twenty-two (61%) participants were lay counsellors. The majority of healthcare workers reported managing patients returning to care appropriately. However, barriers persisted: 9 (25%) responded that patients were sent to the back of the queue and that service providers continued to insist on transfer letters. Twenty-five (69%) responded they had seen/heard other healthcare workers act poorly towards returning patients after training. Many poor behaviours from healthcare workers stemmed from frustration with the clinical flow and their overburdened work environment. Many participants (78%) believed that the Welcome Back approach helped improve client-provider relationships. Conclusions The Welcome Back approach supported healthcare workers to improve service provision for patients reinitiating antiretroviral therapy. Further support is needed to help providers consistently deliver services in line with the Welcome Back approach. Institutional level changes are required to implement patient-centred and trust-based models of care.

Abstract Introduction The potential disruption in antiretroviral therapy (ART) services in Africa at the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic raised concern for increased morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We describe HIV treatment trends before and during the pandemic and interventions implemented to mitigate COVID‐19 impact among countries supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Methods We analysed quantitative and qualitative data reported by 10,387 PEPFAR‐CDC‐supported ART sites in 19 African countries between October 2019 and March 2021. Trends in PLHIV on ART, new ART initiations and treatment interruptions were assessed. Viral load coverage (testing of eligible PLHIV) and viral suppression were calculated at select time points. Qualitative data were analysed to summarize facility‐ and community‐based interventions implemented to mitigate COVID‐19. Results The total number of PLHIV on ART increased quarterly from October 2019 (n = 7,540,592) to March 2021 (n = 8,513,572). The adult population (≥15 years) on ART increased by 14.0% (7,005,959–7,983,793), while the paediatric population (

Abstract Introduction Transgender and gender‐diverse communities in Zambia are highly vulnerable and experience healthcare differently than cisgender persons. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) supports projects in Zambia to improve HIV case‐finding, linkage and antiretroviral treatment (ART) for Zambia's transgender community. We describe programme strategies and outcomes for HIV prevention, testing and ART linkage among transgender communities. Methods UMB utilizes a differentiated service delivery model whereby community health workers (CHWs) recruited from key populations (KPs) reach community members through a peer‐to‐peer approach, with the support of local transgender civil society organizations (CSOs) and community gatekeepers. Peer CHWs are trained and certified as HIV testers and psychosocial counsellors to offer counselling with HIV testing and prevention services in identified safe spaces. HIV‐negative people at risk of HIV infection are offered pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), while those who test positive for HIV are linked to ART services. CHWs collect data using the standardized facility and community tools and a dedicated DHIS2 database system. We conducted a descriptive analysis examining HIV testing and prevention outcomes using proportions and comparisons by time period and geographic strata. Results From October 2020 to June 2021, across Eastern, Lusaka, Western and Southern Provinces, 1860 transgender persons were reached with HIV prevention messages and services. Of these, 424 (23%) were tested for HIV and 78 (18%) tested positive. Of the 346 HIV‐negative persons, 268 (78%) eligible transgender individuals were initiated on PrEP. ART linkage was 97%, with 76 out of the 78 transgender individuals living with HIV initiating treatment. Programme strategies that supported testing and linkage included peer CHWs, social network strategy testing, same‐day ART initiation and local KP CSO support. Challenges included non‐transgender‐friendly environments, stigma and discrimination, the high transiency of the transgender community and the non‐availability of transgender‐specific health services, such as hormonal therapy. Conclusions Peer KP CHWs were able to reach many members of the transgender community, providing safe HIV testing, PrEP services and linkage to care. Focusing on community gatekeepers and CSOs to disburse health messages and employ welcoming strategies supported high linkage to both PrEP and ART for transgender people in Zambia.

Background: In South Africa, 60% of female sex workers (FSW) are living with HIV, many of whom experience structural and individual barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and adherence. Community-based decentralized treatment provision (DTP) may mitigate these barriers. To characterize optimal implementation strategies, we explored preferences for DTP among FSW living with HIV in Durban, South Africa.Methods: Thirty-nine semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with FSW living with HIV (n = 24), and key informants (n = 15) including HIV program implementers, security personnel, and brothel managers. Participants were recruited using maximum variation and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted in English or isiZulu between September-November 2017 and analyzed using grounded theory in Atlas.ti 8.Results: DTP was described as an intervention that could address barriers to ART adherence and retention, minimizing transport costs, time and wage loss from clinic visits, and act as a safety net to address FSW mobility and clinic access challenges. Respondents highlighted contextual considerations for DTP and suggested that DTP should be venue-based, scheduled during less busy times and days, and integrate comprehensive health services including psychological, reproductive, and non-communicable disease services. ART packaging and storage were important for community-based delivery, and participants suggested DTP should be implemented by sex work sensitized staff with discrete uniform and vehicle branding.Conclusions: Incorporating FSW preferences may support implementation optimization and requires balancing of tensions between preferences and feasibility. These data suggest the potential utility of DTP for FSW as a strategy to address those most marginalized from current ART programs in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Zimbabwe adopted differentiated HIV care policies in 2015 to promote client‐centred care and relieve strain on health facilities. We examined the availability, experiences and perceptions of differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery in rural Zimbabwe following the policy adoption. Methods: We undertook a cross‐sectional mixed methods study in all the 26 facilities providing HIV care in a rural district in Zimbabwe. We collected quantitative data about ART delivery and visit durations from 31 healthcare providers and a purposive stratified sample of 378 clients obtaining ART either through routine care or differentiated ART delivery models. We performed 26 semi‐structured interviews among healthcare providers and seven focus group discussions (FGDs) among clients to elicit their perceptions and experiences of ART delivery. Data were collected in 2019, with one follow‐up FGD in 2021. We analysed the transcripts thematically, with inductive coding, to identify emerging themes. Results: Twenty facilities (77%) offered at least one differentiated ART delivery models, including community ART refill groups (CARGs; 13 facilities, 50%), fast‐track refill (8, 31%), family refill (6, 23%) or club refill (1, 4%). Thirteen facilities (50%) offered only one model. The median visit duration was 28 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 16–62). Participants in fast‐track had the shortest visit durations (18 minutes, IQR: 11–24). Confidentiality and disclosure of HIV status, travelling long distances, travel costs and waiting times were the main issues influencing clients' views on differentiated ART delivery. Fast‐track refill was perceived as the preferred model of clients for its limited involuntary disclosure and efficiency. In contrast, group‐ and community‐based refill models reduced travel costs but were felt to be associated with involuntary disclosure of HIV status, which could discourage clients. Healthcare providers also experienced an additional workload when offering facility‐based group models, such as CARGs. Conclusions: Differentiated ART delivery models were widely available in this rural setting, but most facilities did not offer a choice of models to address clients' diverse preferences. A minority offered fast‐track refills, although this model was often mentioned as desirable. Confidentiality, travel expenses and client waiting times are key elements to consider when planning and rolling out differentiated HIV care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Community‐based delivery of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to South African adolescent girls and young women's (AGYW) could increase access but needs evaluation. We integrated PrEP services via home‐based services and pop‐up tents into existing community‐based HIV testing services (CB‐HTS) in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods: After accessing CB‐HTS via a "pop‐up" tent or home‐based services, HIV‐negative AGYW aged 16–25 years were invited to complete a baseline questionnaire and referred for PrEP services at a community‐based PrEP site co‐located with pop‐up HTS tents. A 30‐day supply of PrEP was dispensed. PrEP uptake, time‐to‐initiation, cohort characteristics and first medication refill within 90 days were measured using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 1164 AGYW who tested for HIV, 825 (74.3%) completed a questionnaire and 806 (97.7%) were referred for community‐based PrEP. Of those, 624 (77.4%) presented for PrEP (482/483 [99.8%] from pop‐up HTS and 142/323 [44.0%] from home‐based HTS), of which 603 (96.6%) initiated PrEP. Of those initiating PrEP following home‐based HTS, 59.1% initiated within 0–3 days, 25.6% within 4–14 days and 15.3% took ≥15 days to initiate; 100% of AGYW who used pop‐up HTS initiated PrEP the same day. Among AGWY initiating PrEP, 37.5% had a detectable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although AGYW reported a low self‐perception of HIV risk, post‐hoc application of HIV risk assessment measures to available data classified most study participants as high risk for HIV acquisition. Cumulatively, 329 (54.6%) AGYW presented for a first medication refill within 90 days of accepting their first bottle of PrEP. Conclusions: Leveraging CB‐HTS platforms to provide same‐day PrEP initiation and refill services was acceptable to AGYW. A higher proportion of AGYW initiated PrEP when co‐located with CB‐HTS sites compared to those referred following home‐based HTS, suggesting that proximity of CB‐HTS and PrEP services facilitates PrEP uptake among AGYW. The high prevalence of STIs among those initiating PrEP necessitates the integration of STI and HIV prevention programs for AGYW. Eligibility for PrEP initiation should not be required among AHYW in high HIV burden communities. Community‐based service delivery will be crucial to maintaining access to PrEP services during the COVID‐19 pandemic and future health and humanitarian emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, over half of the estimated new HIV infections now occur among key populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender individuals, and people in prisons and other closed settings, and their sexual partners. Reaching epidemic control will, for many countries, increasingly require intensified programming and targeted resource allocation to meet the needs of key populations and their sexual partners. However, insufficient funding, both in terms of overall amounts and the way the funding is spent, contributes to the systematic marginalization of key populations from needed HIV services. Discussion: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has recently highlighted the urgent need to take action to end inequalities, including those faced by key populations, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. To address these inequalities and improve health outcomes, key population programs must expand the use of a trusted access platform, scale up differentiated service delivery models tailored to the needs of key populations, rollout structural interventions and ensure service integration. These critical program elements are often considered "extras," not necessities, and consequently costing studies of key population programs systematically underestimate the total and unitary costs of services for key populations. Findings from a recent costing study from the LINKAGES project suggest that adequate funding for these four program elements can yield benefits in program performance. Despite this and other evidence, the lack of data on the true costs of these elements and the costs of failing to provide them prevents sufficient investment in these critical elements. Conclusions: As nations strive to reach the 2030 UNAIDS goals, donors, governments and implementers should reconsider the true, but often hidden costs in future healthcare dollars and in lives if they fail to invest in the community‐based and community‐driven key population programs that address structural inequities. Supporting these efforts contributes to closing the remaining gaps in the 95‐95‐95 goals. The financial and opportunity cost of perpetuating inequities and missing those who must be reached in the last mile of HIV epidemic control must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Patients who default from HIV care are usually poorly adherent to antiretroviral treatment which results in suboptimal viral suppression. The study assessed the outcomes of retention in care and viral suppression by expansion of an intervention using two patient tracers to track patients lost to follow up at a large HIV clinic in Trinidad. Methods Two Social Workers were trained as patient tracers and hired for 15 months (April 2017–June 2018) to call patients who were lost to follow up for 30 days or more during the period July 2016–May 2018 at the HIV clinic Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago. Results Over the 15-month period, of the of 2473 patients who missed their scheduled visits for 1 month or more, 261 (10.6%) patients were no longer in active care—89 patients dead, 65 migrated, 55 hospitalized, 33 transferred to another treatment clinic and 19 incarcerated. Of the remaining 2212 patients eligible for tracing, 1869 (84.5%) patients were returned to care, 1278 (68.6%) were virally unsuppressed (viral load > 200 copies/ml) and 1727 (92.4%) were re-initiated on ART. Twelve months after their return, 1341 (71.7%) of 1869 patients were retained in care and 1154 (86.1%) of these were virally suppressed. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed that persons were more likely to be virally suppressed if they were employed (OR, 1.39; 95% CI 1.07–1.80), if they had baseline CD4 counts 10 years (OR, 5.99; 95% CI 1.74–20.64 were more likely to be retained in care. Conclusions Patient Tracing is a feasible intervention to identify and resolve the status of patients who are loss to follow up and targeted interventions such as differentiated care models may be important to improve retention in care.

Abstract Background Although access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among children and young people living with HIV has increased in recent years, adherence to medication and viral suppression remain challenges. Evidence of benefits of support groups is growing and reflects a range of models and approaches. Since 2014, hospital-linked psychosocial support groups for children and young people living with HIV, known as Kids Clubs, have been established throughout Haiti. The program provides safe spaces for them to meet with peers, supports medication adherence, delivers health and life skills education, and facilitates linkages with clinic visits and social services. This study describes program enrollment and participant engagement, ART adherence and viral suppression among participants, and other outcomes attributed to the program by participants, caregivers, and program implementers. Methods Our mixed methods study included quantitative analysis of program monitoring data on rollout and attendance, and medication adherence and viral load results extracted from medical records. We collected qualitative data from club members, caregivers, and implementers about their experiences with the clubs and the impact of participation. Results From January 2014–December 2018, 1330 individuals aged 8–29 were enrolled in the program; over three-quarters participated for at least 12 months. In 2018, 1038 members attended at least one club meeting; more than half missed three or fewer monthly meetings. Three-quarters of ever-enrolled members reported consistent medication use at their most recent clinic visit; 64.2% (600/935) of those with a recent viral load test were virally suppressed. Level of club attendance was positively associated with ART adherence (p

Background: Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for female sex workers (FSWs) continue to be scaled up with the goal of expanding access to HIV services and treatment continuity. However, little is known about FSWs' perspectives on their preferences, facilitators, and barriers to the effective utilization of various DSD models.Methods: We conducted 24 in-depth interviews among FSWs on antiretroviral therapy for at least one year in two drop-in centres and two public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda in January 2021.Results: The facility-based individual management model was most preferred, due to a wide array of comprehensive health services, privacy, and professional health workers. Community DSD models were physically accessible, but least preferred due to stigmatization and discrimination, lack of privacy and confidentiality, and limited health services offered.Conclusion: Targeted strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination and the provision of high-quality services have potential to optimise FSWs' access to HIV services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are a priority population for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective HIV prevention method. However, effective PrEP use among AGYW has been low. Interventions to support PrEP effective use may improve pill‐taking. Affordability of PrEP programs depends on their cost. We, therefore, evaluated the cost of community‐based PrEP with effective use counselling. Methods: Cost data from a randomized controlled trial were used to evaluate the cost of PrEP provision with effective use counselling offered to AGYW through community‐based HIV testing platforms between November 2018 and November 2019. AGYW were randomized to receive (1) group‐based community health club effective use counselling, (2) individualized effective use counselling or (3) community‐based PrEP dispensary. Task shifting of effective use counselling from nurses to trained lay counsellors was implemented in groups 1 and 2. Personnel costs were estimated from time‐and‐motion observations and staff interviews. Expenditure and ingredients‐based approaches were used to estimate costs for medical and non‐medical supplies. Results: In total, 603 AGYW initiated PrEP and accrued a total of 1280 months on PrEP. Average cost per person‐month on PrEP with group‐based community health club, individualized effective use counselling and community‐based PrEP dispensary under the Department of Health scenario were similar and high (USD $55.32, $55.65 and $55.46, respectively) due to low PrEP client volume observed in the clinical trial. Increasing client volume (scaled Department of Health scenario) reduced cost per‐person month estimates to USD $15.48, $26.40 and $13.99, respectively. Conclusions: As designed, individualized effective use counselling increased the cost of standard‐of‐care PrEP delivery by 89%, group‐based community health effective use counselling increased the cost of standard‐of‐care PrEP delivery by 11%. These estimates can inform cost‐effectiveness and budget impact analysis for PrEP provision with effective use counselling services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has been associated with severe disruptions in health care services, and nonpharmacological measures such as social distancing also have an impact on access to screening tests and on the long‐term care of patients with chronic conditions globally. We aimed to describe the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on HIV testing and treatment and to describe strategies employed to mitigate the impact of COVID‐19 on HIV care. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used secondary data from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Global Quality Program from 44 countries in four continents (Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa), and compared information on HIV testing, percentage of positive results, number of in‐person appointments, and number of new enrolments in HIV care from 1 January 2020 to 31 August 2020 with the equivalent period in 2019. Results: Despite marked inter‐country heterogeneities, we found that COVID‐19 was associated with a significant reduction in HIV testing, an increase in the percentage of positive tests, a reduction in the number of in‐person consultations and a reduction in the number of new enrolments in care, despite the implementation of several mitigation strategies. The impact of COVID‐19 differed across continents and key populations. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, in the years to come, health care services must be prepared to respond to the impact of COVID‐19 on HIV testing and care. Providers and facilities should build on the lessons learned so far to further improve mitigation strategies and establish care priorities for both the pandemic and the post‐pandemic periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]