1
|
Pisa P, Kinge CW, Chasela C, Mothibi E, Thaung YM, Thwin HT, Aung NM, Chew KW, Gandhi MM, Clint C, Minior T, Lwin AA, Freiman MJ, Kyi KP, Sein YY, Marange F, van der Horst C, Mohamed S, Barralon M, Sanne I. Evaluation of GeneXpert and advanced biological laboratories UltraGene HCV diagnostic detection and performance against Roche real time PCR in Myanmar. J Clin Virol 2024; 171:105653. [PMID: 38408420 PMCID: PMC11178258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2024.105653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing countries experience limited access to HCV laboratory tests for different reasons. Providing near to real-time HCV testing and results especially to at-risk populations including those in rural settings for timely initiation to treatment is key. Within a rural Myanmar setting, we compared HCV diagnostic detection and quantification of the GeneXpert, and Advanced Biological Laboratories UltraGene-HCV assays against the gold standard and reference method Roche real-time HCV in Myanmar. METHODS Blood samples from 158 high-risk individuals were assessed using three different methods at baseline. Results were checked for normality and log transformed. Log differences and bias between methods were calculated and correlated. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the association of HCV viral loads across all methods. The level of agreement with the standard method (Roche real time HCV) was assessed using Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS There was a strong positive correlation coefficient between all three methods with GeneXpert and Roche having the strongest, r = 0.96, (p<0.001). Compared to Roche, ABL (mean difference, 95 % limits of agreement; -0.063 and -1.4 to 1.3 Log10IU/mL) and GeneXpert (mean difference, 95 % limits of agreement; -0.28 and -0.7 to 1.8 Log10IU/mL) showed a good level of agreement with the GeneXpert being slightly superior. CONCLUSION We demonstrate the excellent performance and no-inferiority, in terms of levels of agreements of both GeneXpert and ABL compared to the Roche platform and supporting the use of the POC assays as alternative a cost-effective methods in HCV detection and diagnosis in developing and low resource settings countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Pisa
- Department of Strategic Information, Right to Care, Centurion, South Africa; Department of Human Nutrition, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Constance Wose Kinge
- Department of Implementation Science, Right to Care, Centurion, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charles Chasela
- Department of Implementation Science, Right to Care, Centurion, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Eula Mothibi
- Department of Implementation Science, Right to Care, Centurion, South Africa
| | | | - Hnin T Thwin
- Community Partners International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nay M Aung
- Community Partners International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Kara W Chew
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Malini M Gandhi
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Aye A Lwin
- U.S. Agency for International Development, USA
| | - Morgan J Freiman
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin P Kyi
- Myanmar Liver Foundation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Yi Y Sein
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | - Sofiane Mohamed
- Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL) SA.17, rue des Jardiniers, Luxembourg 1835
| | - Matthieu Barralon
- Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL) SA.17, rue des Jardiniers, Luxembourg 1835
| | - Ian Sanne
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
O’Brien S, Jaramillo MM, Roberts B, Platt L. Determinants of health among people who use illicit drugs in the conflict-affected countries of Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar: a systematic review of epidemiological evidence. Confl Health 2022; 16:39. [PMID: 35799203 PMCID: PMC9264525 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-022-00467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar are the world's leading heroin and cocaine producers and have also experienced prolonged periods of armed conflict. The link between armed conflict and drug markets is well established but how conflict impacts on the health and social determinants of people who use drugs is less clear. The aim was to investigate health outcomes and associated factors among people who use illicit drugs in Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar. METHODS We conducted a systematic review searching Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Global Health databases using terms relating to Afghanistan, Colombia and Myanmar; illicit drug use (all modes of drug administration); health and influencing factors. Quality assessment was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale and papers were analysed narratively. RESULTS 35 studies were included in Afghanistan (n = 15), Colombia (n = 9) and Myanmar (n = 11). Health outcomes focused predominantly on HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis B and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with one study looking at human rights violations (defined as maltreatment, abuse and gender inequality). Drug use was predominantly injection of heroin, often alongside use of amphetamines (Myanmar), cocaine and cocaine-based derivatives (Colombia). Only one study measured the effect of a period of conflict suggesting this was linked to increased reporting of symptoms of STIs and sharing of needles/syringes among people who inject drugs. Findings show high levels of external and internal migration, alongside low-income and unemployment across the samples. External displacement was linked to injecting drugs and reduced access to needle/syringe programmes in Afghanistan, while initiation into injecting abroad was associated with increased risk of HCV infection. Few studies focused on gender-based differences or recruited women. Living in more impoverished rural areas was associated with increased risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to understand the impact of armed-conflict and drug production on the health of people who use drugs. The immediate scale-up of harm reduction services in these countries is imperative to minimize transmission of HIV/HCV and address harms associated with amphetamine use and other linked health and social care needs that people who use drugs may face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally O’Brien
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XFaculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Margarita Marin Jaramillo
- grid.10689.360000 0001 0286 3748Observatorio de Restitución Y Regulación de los Derechos de Propiedad Agraria, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Bayard Roberts
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XFaculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tun S, Vicknasingam B, Singh D. Factors affecting addiction severity index (ASI) among clients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program in Myanmar. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:84. [PMID: 34353331 PMCID: PMC8340446 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid substitution with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is shown to reduce illicit opioid use and renew social functioning. Understanding factors that undermine clients' social functioning during MMT treatment is vital for improving treatment compliance and quality of life. METHOD A total of 210 respondents who were already enrolled in a formal MMT program in Myanmar were recruited from five cities through stratified random sampling for this cross-sectional study. The addiction severity index (ASI) was used to objectively assess respondents social functioning in the last 30 days. Higher ASI scores denote poorer social functioning. RESULT Respondents total ASI scores in the respective domains were: employment (47.4%), alcohol (44.4%), drug use (7.2%), legal (49.2%) and social-family relationship (10.7%). Those reported to have never injected drugs in the last 30 days had lower ASI total scores than those who reported injection drug use (p = 0.01). After identifying the differences in ASI total scores, we found there were significant associations in the clients' hepatitis C status, age category, frequency of heroin injection, quality of life score, marital status, current leisure status with family/friend, current history of injection in the last 30 days, income status, satisfaction with current marital status, as well as reported drug and alcohol use (p < 0.05). Stepwise binary logistic regression showed that alcohol and higher frequency of heroin injection were associated with higher ASI scores. Meanwhile, older age, respondents those who had leisure time with family, and satisfied with current marital status had lower ASI scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that those enrolled in the MMT program in Myanmar faced many challenges in their daily social functioning. Treatment providers must take heed of these apparent impediment to ensure clients chequered social functioning does not undermine their treatment compliance. TRIAL REGISTRATION NA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Tun
- Myanmar Medical Association, Yangon, Myanmar.
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - B Vicknasingam
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Darshan Singh
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mousavian G, Ghalekhani N, Tavakoli F, McFarland W, Shahesmaeili A, Sharafi H, Khezri M, Mehmandoost S, Zarei J, Sharifi H, Mirzazadeh A. Proportion and reasons for loss to follow-up in a cohort study of people who inject drugs to measure HIV and HCV incidence in Kerman, Iran. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021; 16:29. [PMID: 33794943 PMCID: PMC8017615 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Understanding the reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU) in cohort studies, especially among marginalized groups such as people who inject drugs (PWID), is needed to strengthen the rigor of efficacy trials for prevention and treatment interventions. We assessed the proportion and reasons for loss to follow-up in a recent cohort of PWID enrolled in the southeast of Iran. Methods Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 98 PWID age 18 years or older who reported injecting drugs in the past 6 months, and were negative for HIV and HCV at initial screening. Participants were followed at 6 week intervals, alternating a short six-week visit and long 12-week or quarterly visit to measure incidence of HIV and HCV. Methods to enhance retention included incentives for completing each visit, tracking people who missed the scheduled visits through their peer referral networks, engaged outreach teams to explore hotspots and residences, and photos. LTFU was defined as participants who missed their quarterly visits for two or more weeks. Results Mean (SD) age of participants was 39.7 years (SD 9.6). Of 98 enrolled, 50 participants (51.0%) were LTFU by missed their scheduled quarterly visits for 2 weeks or more. For those whose reasons for LTFU could be defined (46.0%, 23 of 50), main reasons were: forgetting the date of visit (43.5%, 10 of 23), being incarcerated (39.1%, 9 of 23), and moving out of the city (17.4%, 4 of 23). Conclusion This study highlighted the difficulty in retaining PWID in longitudinal studies. Despite having several retention strategies in place, over half of PWID were LTFU. The LTFU might be reduced by setting up more effective reminder systems, working closely with security systems, and online means to reach those who move outside the study area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Mousavian
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nima Ghalekhani
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tavakoli
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Armita Shahesmaeili
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Heidar Sharafi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Middle East Liver Diseases (MELD) Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Khezri
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Soheil Mehmandoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Jasem Zarei
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scott N, Win TM, Tidhar T, Htay H, Draper B, Aung PTZ, Xiao Y, Bowring A, Kuschel C, Shilton S, Kyi KP, Naing W, Aung KS, Hellard M. Hepatitis C elimination in Myanmar: Modelling the impact, cost, cost-effectiveness and economic benefits. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 10:100129. [PMID: 34327345 PMCID: PMC8315611 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Myanmar has set national hepatitis C (HCV) targets to achieve 50% of people diagnosed and 50% treated by 2030. The WHO has additional targets of reducing incidence by 80% and mortality by 65% by 2030. We aimed to estimate the impact, cost, cost-effectiveness and net economic benefit of achieving these targets. Methods Mathematical models of HCV transmission, disease progression and the care cascade were calibrated to 15 administrative regions of Myanmar. Cost data were collected from a community testing and treatment program in Yangon. Three scenarios were projected for 2020-2030: (1) baseline (current levels of testing/treatment); and testing/treatment scaled up sufficiently to reach (2) the national strategy targets; and (3) the WHO targets. Findings Without treatment scale-up, 333,000 new HCV infections and 97,000 HCV-related deaths were estimated to occur in Myanmar 2020-2030, with HCV costing a total $100 million in direct costs (testing, treatment, disease management) and $10.4 billion in lost productivity. In the model, treating 55,000 people each year was sufficient to reach the national strategy targets and prevented a cumulative 40,000 new infections (12%) and 25,000 HCV-related deaths (25%) 2020-2030. This was estimated to cost a total $189 million in direct costs ($243 per DALY averted compared to no treatment scale-up), but only $9.8 billion in lost productivity, making it cost-saving from a societal perspective by 2024 with an estimated net economic benefit of $553 million by 2030. Reaching the WHO targets required further treatment scale-up and additional direct costs but resulted in greater longer-term benefits. Interpretation Current levels of HCV testing and treatment in Myanmar are insufficient to reach the national strategy targets. Scaling up HCV testing and treatment in Myanmar to reach the national strategy targets is estimated to generate significant health and economic benefits. Funding Gilead Sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Scott
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thin Mar Win
- Burnet Institute Myanmar, Second floor, 226U Wisara Road, Wizaaya Plaza, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tom Tidhar
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hla Htay
- Burnet Institute Myanmar, Second floor, 226U Wisara Road, Wizaaya Plaza, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Bridget Draper
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phyo Thu Zar Aung
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yinzong Xiao
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Bowring
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian Kuschel
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonjelle Shilton
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Pyone Kyi
- Myanmar Liver Foundation, 33-35, First Floor, Pathein Street, KyunTaw (Middle) Ward, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Win Naing
- Department of Hepatology, 500 bedded Specialty Hospital, University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Sanda Aung
- National Hepatitis Control Program, Myanmar Ministry of Health, Myanmar
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Min Thaung Y, Chasela CS, Chew KW, Minior T, Lwin AA, Sein YY, Drame N, Marange F, van der Horst C, Thwin HT, Freiman MJ, Gandhi MM, Bijl M, Wose Kinge C, Rosen S, Thura S, Mohamed S, Xulu T, Naing AY, Barralon M, Cavenaugh C, Kyi KP, Sanne I. Treatment outcomes and costs of a simplified antiviral treatment strategy for hepatitis C among monoinfected and HIV and/or hepatitis B virus-co-infected patients in Myanmar. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:147-158. [PMID: 32935438 PMCID: PMC7746582 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment is limited in Myanmar. We assessed an integrated HIV and viral hepatitis testing and HCV treatment strategy. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) ± weight-based ribavirin for 12 weeks was provided at three treatment sites in Myanmar and sustained virologic response (SVR) assessed at 12 weeks after treatment. Participants co-infected with HBV were treated concurrently with tenofovir. Cost estimates in 2018 USD were made at Yangon and Mandalay using standard micro-costing methods. 803 participants initiated SOF/VEL; 4.8% were lost to follow-up. SVR was achieved in 680/803 (84.6%) by intention-to-treat analysis. SVR amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) was 79.7% (381/497), but 92.5% among PWID on opioid substitution therapy (OST) (74/80), and 97.4% among non-PWID (298/306). Utilizing data from 492 participants, of whom 93% achieved SVR, the estimated average cost of treatment per patient initiated was $1030 (of which 54% were medication costs), with a production cost per successful outcome (SVR) of $1109 and real-world estimate of $1250. High SVR rates were achieved for non-PWID and PWID on OST. However, the estimated average cost of the intervention (under the assumption of no genotype testing and reduced real-world effectiveness) of $1250/patient is unaffordable for a national elimination strategy. Reductions in the cost of antivirals and linkage to social and behavioural health services including substance use disorder treatment to increase retention and adherence to treatment are critical to HCV elimination in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles S. Chasela
- Right to Care/EQUIP HealthPretoriaSouth Africa
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsSchool of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Kara W. Chew
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Thomas Minior
- U.S. Agency for International DevelopmentWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Aye A. Lwin
- Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL) SARue des jardiniersLuxembourg
| | | | - Ndeye Drame
- School of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Murdo Bijl
- Asian Harm Reduction NetworkKachinMyanmar
| | - Constance Wose Kinge
- Division of Epidemiology and SurveillanceNational Institute for Occupational HealthJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research UnitDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- School of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Si Thura
- Community Partners InternationalYangonMyanmar
| | - Sofiane Mohamed
- Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL) SARue des jardiniersLuxembourg
| | | | | | - Matthiue Barralon
- Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL) SARue des jardiniersLuxembourg
| | | | | | - Ian Sanne
- Right to Care/EQUIP HealthPretoriaSouth Africa
- School of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
- Department of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburg
- Immunology Research Division, Department of Medical ResearchMinistry of Health and SportsYangonMyanmar
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lum N, Wai KT, Thar AMC, Show KL, Harries AD, Wann NMA, Hone S, Oo HN. HIV testing and ART initiation in people who inject drugs and are placed on methadone in Kachin State, Myanmar. Public Health Action 2020; 10:27-32. [PMID: 32368521 DOI: 10.5588/pha.19.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Setting People who inject drugs (PWID) enrolled for methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and never previously tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Myitkyina Drug Dependency Treatment Hospital, Myitkyina, Kachin State, Myanmar. Objectives To compare before (2016) and after (2018) adoption of 'Test and Treat' guidelines for antiretroviral therapy (ART): 1) the demographic profile of PWID, 2) HIV testing uptake and ART initiation in those diagnosed HIV-positive, and 3) time taken for events. Design This was a cohort study using secondary programme data. Results In 2016 and 2018, there were respectively 141 and 146 PWID: all were male except for one female and age distribution between the 2 years was similar. In 2018, significantly more PWID were HIV-tested than in 2016 (85% vs. 45%; P ≤ 0.001). Among those tested, the proportions who were HIV-positive were similar (37% in 2016 and 38% in 2018). In 2018, significantly fewer HIV-positive PWID were started on ART than in 2016 (19% vs. 48%; P = 0.01). Median times between enrolment on MMT and HIV testing (2 vs. 1 day) and between being diagnosed HIV-positive and started on ART (31 vs. 17 days) for 2016 and 2018 were not significantly different. Conclusion ART uptake decreased in 2018 compared with 2016, and ways to rectify this are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Lum
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - K T Wai
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - A M C Thar
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - K L Show
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - A D Harries
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - N M A Wann
- Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - S Hone
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - H N Oo
- National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| |
Collapse
|