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Bansi-Matharu L, Revill P, Taramusi I, Steen R, Chabata ST, Busza J, Mangenah C, Musemburi S, Machingura F, Desmond N, Matambanadzo P, Shahmanesh M, Yekeye R, Mugurungi O, Cowan FM, Hargreaves JR, Phillips AN. The effect on HIV transmission and cost-effectiveness of programmes for female sex workers in East, Central, and Southern Africa: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1436-e1445. [PMID: 39151979 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV prevalence and incidence has declined in East, Central, and Southern Africa (ECSA), but remains high among female sex workers (FSWs). Sex worker programmes have the potential to considerably increase access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. We aimed to quantify these improvements by modelling the potential effect of sex worker programmes at two different intensities on HIV incidence and key health outcomes, and assessed the programmes' potential cost-effectiveness in order to help inform HIV policy decisions. METHODS Using a model previously used to review policy decisions in ECSA, we assumed a low-intensity sex worker programme had run from 2010 until 2023; this resulted in care disadvantages among FSWs being reduced, and also increased testing, condom use, and willingness to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). After 2023, three policy options were considered: discontinuation, continuation, and a scale-up of the programme to high-intensity, which would have a broader reach, and higher influences on condom use, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, testing, and PrEP use. Outputs of the key outcomes (the percentage of FSWs who were diagnosed with HIV, on ART, and virally suppressed; the percentage of FSWs with zero condomless partners, and HIV incidence) were compared in 2030. The maximum cost for a sex worker programme to be cost-effective was calculated over a 50-year time period and in the context of 10 million adults. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from a health-care perspective; costs and disability-adjusted life-years were both discounted to present US$ values at 3% per annum. FINDINGS Compared with continuing a low-intensity sex worker programme until 2030, discontinuation of the programme was calculated to result in a lower percentage of FSWs diagnosed (median 88·75% vs 91·37%; median difference compared to continuation of a low-intensity programme [90% range] 2·03 [-4·49 to 10·98]), a lower percentage of those diagnosed currently taking ART (86·35% vs 88·89%; 2·38 [-3·69 to 13·42]), and a lower percentage of FSWs on ART with viral suppression (87·49% vs 88·96%; 1·17 [-6·81 to 11·53]). Discontinuation of a low-intensity programme also resulted in an increase in HIV incidence among FSWs from 5·06 per 100 person-years (100 p-y; 90% range 0·52 to 22·21) to 4·05 per 100 p-y (0·21 to 21·15). Conversely, comparing a high-intensity sex worker programme until 2030 with discontinuation of the programme resulted in a higher percentage of FSWs diagnosed (median 95·81% vs 88·75; median difference compared to discontinuation [90% range] 6·36 [0·60 to 18·63]), on ART (93·93 vs 86.35%; median difference 7·13 [-0·65 to 26·48]), and with viral suppression (93·21% vs 87·49; median difference 7·13 [-0·65 to 26·48]). A high-intensity programme also resulted in HIV incidence in FSWs declining to 2·23 per 100 p-y (0·00 to 14·44), from 5·06 per 100 p-y (0·52 to 22·21) if the programme was discontinued. In the context of 10 million adults over a 50-year time period and a cost-effectiveness threshold of US$500 per disability-adjusted life-year averted, $34 million per year can be spent for a high-intensity programme to be cost-effective. INTERPRETATION A sex worker programme, even with low-level interventions, has a positive effect on key outputs for FSWs. A high-intensity programme has a considerably higher effect; HIV incidence among FSW and in the general population can be substantially reduced, and should be considered for implementation by policy makers. FUNDING Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Revill
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Richard Steen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sungai T Chabata
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CESHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Joanna Busza
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Collin Mangenah
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CESHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; International Public Health Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sithembile Musemburi
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CESHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Fortunate Machingura
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CESHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nicola Desmond
- International Public Health Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK; Clinical Research Department, Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- AIDS and TB Directorate, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Frances M Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CESHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; International Public Health Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Franz R, Hahn A, Hagen RM, Rohde H, Eberhardt KA, Ehrhardt S, Baum J, Claussen L, Feldt T, Hinz R, Barthel D, Bindt C, Tagbor H, Nguah SB, Koffi M, Köller T, Warnke P, Pankok F, Taudien S, Frickmann H, Schoppen S. Screening for Resistant Bacteria, Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Schistosoma spp. in Tissue Samples from Predominantly Vaginally Delivered Placentae in Ivory Coast and Ghana. Pathogens 2023; 12:999. [PMID: 37623959 PMCID: PMC10459482 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12080999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Medical complications during pregnancy have been frequently reported from Western Africa with a particular importance of infectious complications. Placental tissue can either become the target of infectious agents itself, such as, e.g., in the case of urogenital schistosomiasis, or be subjected to contamination with colonizing or infection-associated microorganisms of the cervix or the vagina during vaginal delivery. In the retrospective cross-sectional assessment presented here, the quantitative dimension of infection or colonization with selected resistant or pathogenic bacteria and parasites was regionally assessed. To do so, 274 collected placental tissues from Ivory Coastal and Ghanaian women were subjected to selective growth of resistant bacteria, as well as to molecular screening for beta-lactamase genes, Schistosoma spp. and selected bacterial causative agents of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Panton-Valentine-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was grown from 1.8% of the tissue samples, comprising the spa types t008 and t688, as well as the newly detected ones, t12101 (n = 2) and t12102. While the culture-based recovery of resistant Enterobacterales and nonfermentative rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria failed, molecular assessments confirmed beta-lactamase genes in 31.0% of the samples with multiple detections of up to four resistance genes per sample and blaCTX-M, blaIMP, blaGES, blaVIM, blaOXA-58-like, blaNDM, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-48-like and blaKPC occurring in descending order of frequency. The beta-lactamase genes blaOXA-40/24-like, blaNMC_A/IMI, blaBIC, blaSME, blaGIM and blaDIM were not detected. DNA of the urogenital schistosomiasis-associated Schistosoma haematobium complex was recorded in 18.6% of the samples, but only a single positive signal for S. mansoni with a high cycle-threshold value in real-time PCR was found. Of note, higher rates of schistosomiasis were observed in Ghana (54.9% vs. 10.3% in Ivory Coast) and Cesarean section was much more frequent in schistosomiasis patients (61.9% vs. 14.8% in women without Schistosoma spp. DNA in the placenta). Nucleic acid sequences of nonlymphogranuloma-venereum-associated Chlamydia trachomatis and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were recorded in 1.1% and 1.9% of the samples, respectively, while molecular attempts to diagnose Treponema pallidum and Mycoplasma genitalium did not lead to positive results. Molecular detection of Schistosoma spp. or STI-associated pathogens was only exceptionally associated with multiple resistance gene detections in the same sample, suggesting epidemiological distinctness. In conclusion, the assessment confirmed considerable prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and resistant bacterial colonization, as well as a regionally expected abundance of STI-associated pathogens. Continuous screening offers seem advisable to minimize the risks for the pregnant women and their newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Franz
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.H.); (T.K.); (P.W.)
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
| | - Holger Rohde
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Division of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Hygiene and Environment, 20539 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Ehrhardt
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MA 21205, USA;
| | - Jana Baum
- Clinical Research Unit, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Lisa Claussen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Asklepios Klinik Altona, 22763 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Rebecca Hinz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Synlab MVZ Hamburg GmbH, 22083 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Dana Barthel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (D.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Carola Bindt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (D.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Harry Tagbor
- School of Medicine, Department of Community Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana;
| | - Samuel Blay Nguah
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK-385-1973, Ghana;
| | - Mathurin Koffi
- Université Jean Lorougnon GUEDE, UFR Environnement-Santé, Laboratoire des Interactions Hôte-Microorganismes-Environnement et Evolution (LIHME), Daloa BP 150, Côte d’Ivoire;
| | - Thomas Köller
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.H.); (T.K.); (P.W.)
| | - Philipp Warnke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.H.); (T.K.); (P.W.)
| | - Frederik Pankok
- Institute for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (F.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Stefan Taudien
- Institute for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; (F.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (A.H.); (T.K.); (P.W.)
| | - Stefanie Schoppen
- Department of Health and Social Science, Hochschule Fresenius, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
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Characterizing Sociostructural Associations With New HIV Diagnoses Among Female Sex Workers in Cameroon. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:e64-e73. [PMID: 30762674 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Cameroon, with an estimated 23.6% HIV prevalence. Given the unavailability of HIV incidence data, to better understand associations with acquiring HIV we assessed the prevalence and associations with new HIV diagnoses among FSW in Cameroon. METHODS In 2016, FSW were recruited through respondent-driven sampling from 5 cities for a biobehavioral survey. Participants self-reporting living with HIV or with an indeterminate test status were excluded from analysis. New diagnoses were defined as testing HIV-positive when participants self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status. A multivariable modified Poisson regression model was developed to assess determinants of new HIV diagnosis (referent group: HIV-negative) using key covariates; adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) are reported if statistically significant (P < 0.05). RESULTS Overall 2255 FSW were recruited. Excluding participants who self-reported living with HIV (n = 297) and indeterminate test results (n = 7), 260/1951 (13.3%) FSW were newly diagnosed with HIV. Variables significantly associated with new HIV diagnosis were: no secondary/higher education [aPR: 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12 to 2.15], 5+ dependents compared with none (aPR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.01 to 4.40), 5+ years involved in sex work compared with <1 year (aPR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.26 to 6.42), history of incarceration (aPR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.13 to 3.99), and low social capital (aPR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.10). Higher monthly income (>250,000 FCFA vs. <50,000 FCFA) was associated with lower prevalence of new HIV diagnosis (aPR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.86). CONCLUSIONS There are significant sociostructural factors that seem to potentiate risk of HIV infection and delay diagnosis among FSW in Cameroon. Initiatives to build social capital and integrate services such as pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV self-testing into HIV programs may reduce new infections and decrease time to diagnosis and treatment.
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Onyango MA, Adu-Sarkodie Y, Adjei RO, Agyarko-Poku T, Kopelman CH, Green K, Wambugu S, Clement NF, Wondergem P, Beard J. Love, power, resilience and vulnerability: relationship dynamics between female sex workers in Ghana and their intimate partners. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2019; 21:31-45. [PMID: 29669473 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1446550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about female sex workers' daily lives or emotional relationships. Using relational-cultural theory, this study explored the relationship dynamics between sex workers and their intimate partners in Kumasi, Ghana. We collected qualitative data from 37 male intimate partners through 24 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions (FGDs) with 13 male partners. We also conducted three FGDs with 20 women involved in sex work. Relationships between sex workers and their intimate partners were mutual, reciprocal and transactional. Male partners provided protection for financial support, a place to sleep and intimacy. Both men and women described their relationships in terms of friendship, love and a hopeful future. Women were reluctant to quit sex work because they depended on it for income. Most respondents did not use condoms in these romantic relationships, citing trust, love, faithfulness and commitment. Both men and women described high levels of violence in their relationships. The context of sex work heightens vulnerability but also appears to facilitate resilience and creative coping strategies. The relational dynamics between sex workers and their intimate partners in Ghana merit further exploration to examine the extent to which women involved in sex work hold and exert power within these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Adhiambo Onyango
- a Department of Global Health , Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Yaw Adu-Sarkodie
- b School of Medical Sciences , Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi , Ghana
| | - Rose Odotei Adjei
- b School of Medical Sciences , Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , Kumasi , Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Wondergem
- e United States Agency for International Development , Accra , Ghana
| | - Jennifer Beard
- a Department of Global Health , Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
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Lim RBT, Cheung ONY, Tham DKT, La HH, Win TT, Chan R, Wong ML. Using qualitative and community-based engagement approaches to gain access and to develop a culturally appropriate STI prevention intervention for foreign female entertainment workers in Singapore. Global Health 2018; 14:36. [PMID: 29661249 PMCID: PMC5902891 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-018-0358-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an increasing global movement of foreign female entertainment workers (FEWs), a hard-to-reach population vulnerable to HIV/STIs. This paper described the needs assessment phase before intervention implementation where the socio-organisation, sexual risk behaviours and access to health services of foreign FEWs in Singapore were explored. We also highlighted how qualitative inquiry, census enumeration technique and community-based engagement approaches were used to gain access and to develop a culturally appropriate STI prevention intervention. Methods In-depth interviews, observations, informal conversational interviews, mystery client and critical incident technique were used. We estimated the size of FEW population using the census enumeration technique. The findings were used to inform intervention development and implementation. Results We estimated 376 Vietnamese and 330 Thai FEWs in 2 geographical sites where they operated in Singapore. Their reasons for non-condom use included misconceptions on the transmission and consequences of STI/HIV, low risk perception of contracting HIV/STI from paid/casual partner, lack of skills to negotiate or to persuade partner to use condom, unavailability of condoms in entertainment establishments and fear of the police using condom as circumstantial evidence. They faced difficulties in accessing health services due to fear of identity exposure, stigmatisation, cost and language differences. To develop the intervention, we involved FEWs and peer educators, and ensured that the intervention was non-stigmatising and met their needs. To foster their participation, we used culturally-responsive recruitment strategies, and ensured that the trial was anonymous and acceptable to the FEWs. These strategies were effective as we achieved a participation rate of 90.3%, a follow-up rate of 70.5% for the comparison and 66.8% for the intervention group. The interventions group reported a significant increase in consistent condom use with a reduction in STI incidence compared to no significant change in the comparison group. Conclusions The qualitative inquiry approaches to gain access, to foster participation and to develop a culturally appropriate intervention, along with the census enumeration technique application to estimate the FEW population sizes has led to successful intervention implementation as well as safer sexual behaviour and STI incidence reduction. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02780986. Registered 23 May 2016 (retrospectively registered). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12992-018-0358-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Boon Tar Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, Singapore city, 117549, Singapore
| | - Olive N Y Cheung
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, Singapore city, 117549, Singapore
| | - Dede Kam Tyng Tham
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, Singapore city, 117549, Singapore
| | - Hanh Hao La
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, Singapore city, 117549, Singapore
| | - Thein Than Win
- Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), 304 Orchard Road, #06-22, Lucky Plaza, Singapore, Singapore city, 238863, Singapore
| | - Roy Chan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, Singapore city, 117549, Singapore.,Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control, National Skin Centre, 31 Kelantan Lane, #01-16, Singapore, Singapore city, 200031, Singapore
| | - Mee Lian Wong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, Singapore city, 117549, Singapore.
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Dubbink JH, Verweij SP, Struthers HE, Ouburg S, McIntyre JA, Morré SA, Peters RP. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A structured review. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:806-824. [PMID: 29486628 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418758224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae constitute major public health problems among women, but the burden of infection in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We conducted a structured review of the prevalence and incidence of genital, oral and anal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science over a 10-year period for studies on epidemiology of genital, oral and anal chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea in women in all countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed geographic and demographic differences in prevalence and incidence of infection; weighted mean prevalence estimates were calculated with a random-effect model. A total of 102 study results were included, with data available for 24/49 of sub-Saharan countries. The weighted prevalence of chlamydial infection was lower among women in community-based studies (3.9%; 95% CI: 2.9-5.1%) than for women recruited at primary healthcare facilities (6.0%; 95% CI: 4.2-8.4%, p < 0.001); the same was observed for gonorrhoea (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0% vs. 4.2%; 95% CI: 3.2-5.6%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of Chlamydia among sex workers was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2-7.3%) and gonorrhoea 7.6% (95% CI: 5.4-11%). Seven studies reported on incidence which varied between 0.75-28 and 2.8-17 per 100 person-years-at-risk for chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea, respectively. Only two studies reported on anal infections and one on oral infection. This overview underscores the considerable incidence and prevalence of genital C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in women in different settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Better control strategies are warranted to reduce the burden of infection and to prevent long-term complications of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Henk Dubbink
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan P Verweij
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helen E Struthers
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,4 Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sander Ouburg
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - James A McIntyre
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,5 School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Servaas A Morré
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Ph Peters
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,6 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Hoos D, El-Sadr WM, Dehne KL. Getting the balance right: Scaling-up treatment and prevention. Glob Public Health 2016; 12:483-497. [PMID: 27092884 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2016.1171887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The goals of the international response to control the HIV epidemic include high antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage with HIV viral suppression, as well as reduction of new infections. ART use at individual and population levels reduces HIV morbidity and mortality and likely reduces HIV incidence. HIV viral suppression requires high levels of ART adherence, which necessitates support through behavioural and structural interventions to optimise effectiveness of the use of ART for prevention. Many people living with HIV remain unaware that they are HIV-infected, and HIV transmission risk is high during early infection, therefore ART expansion should be accompanied by other interventions in order to achieve the promise of treatment for prevention. Biomedical and behavioural prevention efforts focused on HIV-uninfected individuals at substantial risk of HIV acquisition are also needed to control the epidemic. Maintaining prevention programming is essential during the scale up of ART to reduce HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hoos
- a ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
| | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- a ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University , New York , NY , USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite decades of HIV responses in pockets of West and Central Africa (WCA), the HIV response with key populations remains an understudied area. Recently, there has been a proliferation of studies highlighting epidemiologic and behavioral data that challenge attitudes of complacency among donors and country governments uncomfortable in addressing key populations. METHODS The articles in this series highlight new studies that provide a better understanding of the epidemiologic and structural burden facing key populations in the WCA region and how to improve responses through more effective targeting. RESULTS Key populations face pervasive structural barriers including institutional and sexual violence and an intersection of stigma, criminalization, and marginalization as sexual minorities. Despite decades of smaller interventions that have shown the importance of integrated services for key populations, there remains incongruent provision of outreach or testing or family planning pointing to sustained risk. There remains an incongruent resource provision for key populations where they shoulder the burden of HIV and their access to services alone could turn around HIV epidemics within the region. CONCLUSIONS These proximal and distal determinants must be addressed in regional efforts, led by the community, and resourced for scale, targeting those most at risk for the acquisition and transmission of HIV. This special issue builds the knowledge base for the region focusing on interventions that remove barriers to service access including treatment uptake for those living with HIV. Better analysis and use of data for strategic planning are shown to lead to more effective targeting of prevention, care, and HIV treatment programs with key populations. These articles further demonstrate the immediate need for comprehensive action to address HIV among key populations throughout the WCA region.
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