The use of the GeeniusTM HIV-1/2 Rapid confirmatory test for the enrolment of patients and blood donors in the WHO Universal Test and Treat Strategy in Cameroon, Africa

The challenges of Chile to achieve control the HIV/AIDS pandemic the year 2030: A review

Chile is contending with the highest rates of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in both Latin America and globally, despite substantial ongoing investments in treatment. This comprehensive study, derived from PUBMED and Google searches, ANID data, and various organizational reports, highlights key areas for improvement. Over the past decade, Chile's annual infection rate has risen, signaling an urgent need for detailed analysis and effective solutions. The study includes 44 references, comprising 32 scientific articles and 12 reports from entities like the WHO and the Pan American Health Organization. Data was meticulously collected through diverse means, such as scientific congresses, meetings with authorities, and direct data requests. Fourteen critical points are identified for addressing the HIV epidemic in Chile, spanning from legislative reforms to enhanced prevention campaigns. Key recommendations include universal diagnosis, decentralized healthcare, the availability of self-tests, and a focus on mental health and the impact of migration. Despite Chile's strong economic indicators, factors such as inadequate sexual education, outdated legislation, and centralized diagnostic processes contribute to the persistent increase in new cases. The study underscores the pressing need for enhanced investment in prevention policies. Chile faces significant challenges in meeting the 90/90/90 targets, yet there is optimism in aiming for the 95/95/95 strategy by 2030. Achieving success requires a global commitment, an emphasis on prevention, and collaborative efforts among authorities, healthcare providers, and patients. Overcoming these identified barriers is essential for Chile to reach its ambitious goal and ultimately end the HIV epidemic.

Implementation of an Africa-specific donor health questionnaire for human immunodeficiency virus risk screening

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We had previously developed an Africa-specific donor health questionnaire (ASDHQ) based on local risk factors and designed a scoring scheme. This study assessed the performance of a new donor health questionnaire by comparing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status in accepted versus deferred donors by ASDHQ and comparing the rate of risk deferrals with historical data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected during a cross-sectional study conducted over 15 months at three referral-hospital-based blood services in Cameroon. ASDHQ was administered to blood donors aged 18-65 years in the same screening conditions as the routine questionnaire. The main outcomes of the study were ASDHQ sensitivity and specificity with regard to HIV laboratory testing as well as donor deferral rates for each of the routine screening algorithms and for ASDHQ.

RESULTS

Overall, 71/11,120 (0.6%) were confirmed as HIV positive. The mean ASDHQ score was 95.80 ± 4.4 in HIV-negative donors and 94.80 ± 4.4 in HIV-positive donors (p = 0.05). The optimal cut-off provided by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the best performance of ASDHQ was 95.04. Using this optimal cut-off, the ASDHQ sensitivity and specificity were 57% and 53%, respectively (area under curve = 0.58 [0.51, 0.64], p = 0.028). Using ASDHQ, the HIV prevalence was 0.7% in deferred donors and 0.6% in accepted donors.

CONCLUSION

ASDHQ might be efficient only in specific conditions that maximize truthful donor responses, requiring each blood service to create an environment of trust and transparency to increase donor compliance and improve the accuracy of the questionnaire.