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Okegbe T, Amzel A, Gunnala R, Abuelgasim K, Traub A, Lenka M, Mirembe J, Thuku J, Rurangwa A. A Landscape Analysis of Prevention of Vertical Transmission Program Data and Interventions From Fiscal Years 2019-2021. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:101-106. [PMID: 36881836 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2020, an estimated 150,000 infants acquired HIV infection through vertical transmission. With pregnant and breastfeeding women facing numerous social and health system barriers, continuity of care for mother-infant pairs (MIPs) requires prioritized engagement for timely infant HIV testing and linkage to treatment. METHODS PEPFAR Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting indicators were analyzed from across 14 USAID-supported countries across 3 fiscal years (FYs) (October 2018-September 2021): number of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) with a sample collected for an HIV test by age 2 months, percentage of HEI who received an HIV test by age 2 months (EID 2 mo coverage), and final outcome status of HEIs. Qualitative information on implementation of PVT interventions was gathered using a structured survey disseminated to USAID/PEPFAR country teams. RESULTS From October 2018 to September 2021, 716,383 samples were collected for infant HIV tests. EID 2 mo coverage increased across the FYs from 77.3% in FY19% to 83.5% in FY21. Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa demonstrated the highest EID 2 mo coverage across all 3 FYs. Burundi (93.6%), DRC (92%), and Nigeria (90%) had the highest percentage of infants with a known final HIV outcome. Qualitative survey data showed that the most implemented interventions used by the countries were mentor mothers, appointment reminders, cohort registers, and joint provision of MIP services. CONCLUSIONS Achieving eVT requires a client-centered and multipronged approach, typically combining several PVT interventions. Country and program implementers should use person-centered solutions to best target MIPs to be retained in the continuum of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tishina Okegbe
- GHTASC, Credence Management Solutions LLC, Supporting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC
| | - Anouk Amzel
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC
| | | | - Khalda Abuelgasim
- GHTASC, Credence Management Solutions LLC, Supporting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC
| | - Ariana Traub
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Matjeko Lenka
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Justine Mirembe
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Jeri Thuku
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Aimee Rurangwa
- PEPFAR Coordinating Office, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Ethiopia; and
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Abadan SS, Hawryluk L, Montandon M, Flowers N, Schueller J, Eakle R, Patel P, Chevalier MS, Rana S, Amzel A. Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Pregnant and Lactating People in 18 PEPFAR-Supported Countries: A Review of HIV Strategies and Guidelines. Glob Health Sci Pract 2022; 10:e2200129. [PMID: 36951281 PMCID: PMC9771465 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant and lactating people (PLP) experience heightened risk of acquiring HIV, which adversely impacts their health and increases the risk for vertical HIV transmission. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as part of a combination prevention package, including condoms, sexually transmitted infection prevention, and regular HIV testing, is a safe, efficacious method to prevent HIV infections among PLP and their infants. This article examines the evolution of strategies and guidance on PrEP services for PLP from 18 countries supported by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). METHODS The 18 countries implement PEPFAR-supported prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and PrEP programs. We reviewed a total of 18 national HIV strategic plans, 28 national HIV guidelines, and 54 PEPFAR country operational plans (COPs) published in 2013-2020. We compared documents from 2013 to 2017 to those from 2017 to 2020 to assess for differences after the release of the 2017 World Health Organization recommendations supporting the use of PrEP by PLP at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. RESULTS National HIV guidelines and PEPFAR COPs that endorsed PrEP for PLP through any categorization increased from 41% to 73% and 11% to 83%, respectively, in the pre-2017 and post-2017 periods. While many documents approved PrEP but not specifically for PLP (10 national strategic plans, 6 national guidelines, and 28 COPs), none of the documents explicitly prohibited PrEP for PLP. CONCLUSION National HIV guidelines and PEPFAR COPs expanded inclusion of PLP in PrEP eligibility when comparing the pre-2017 and the post-2017 groups. However, policy gaps remain as only 36% (4/11) of the post-2017 national HIV guidelines included PLP as a specific priority population for PrEP. Inclusive national HIV strategic plans and guidelines on PrEP for PLP, together with effective program implementation, remain critical for reducing new infections in PLP and eliminating vertical transmission of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liz Hawryluk
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Nicole Flowers
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jane Schueller
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robyn Eakle
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pragna Patel
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sangeeta Rana
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anouk Amzel
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA.
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Traub AM, Medley A, Gross J, Sloan M, Amzel A, Gleason MM, Fernando NB, Wong V, Grillo MP, Wolf HT, Al-Samarrai T, Frawley A, Segwabe M, Motswere C, Baramperanye E, Nzima V, Mange Mayer M, Balachandra S, N'siesi FX, Longuma HO, Nyembo P, Mazibuko S, Tilahun T, Teferi W, Desinor O, Reginald JL, Simiyu T, Nyabiage L, Mirembe J, Ts’oeu M, Zomba G, Nyangulu M, Wate A, Greenberg Cowan J, Mali D, Pietersen I, Ogundehin D, Onotu D, Ikpeazu A, Niyonsaba E, Bamwesigye J, Mabasa H, Kindra G, Bunga S, Rwegerera F, Machage E, King'ori G, Calnan J, Nazziwa E, Lingenda G, Musokotwane K, Bulaya-Tembo R, Maphosa T, Srivastava M. Pediatric HIV Case Identification Across 22 PEPFAR-Supported Countries During the COVID-19 Pandemic, October 2019–September 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022; 71:894-898. [PMID: 35834422 PMCID: PMC9290390 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7128a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Carrasco MA, Rosen JG, Maile L, Manda R, Amzel A, Kiggundu V. Medically, Traditionally, and Dually Circumcised Men in Lesotho: Population-Based Measurements of HIV/STI Infections, Sexual Risk Behaviors, and Service Use Patterns. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2112-2118. [PMID: 31927757 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is an HIV prevention priority in Lesotho, but uptake remains suboptimal. We analyzed the 2014 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey to assess population-level social, behavioral, and serological correlates of circumcision status, specifically traditional and/or medical circumcision. Among 2931 men, approximately half were traditionally circumcised, and fewer than 25% were medically circumcised. Only 4% were dually (traditionally and medically) circumcised. In multivariate analysis, only medical circumcision emerged as significantly (p < 0.05) protective against HIV infection, whereas dual circumcision was significantly associated with past-year STI symptomology. Younger (ages 15-24), lower educated, rural-dwelling, and traditionally circumcised men, including those who never tested for HIV, had significantly lower odds of medical circumcision. Our findings indicate other unmeasured behavioral factors may mitigate VMMC's protective effect against HIV and STI infections in dually circumcised men. Further research can help identify counseling and demand creation strategies for traditionally circumcised men presenting for VMMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Carrasco
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA.
- , Arlington, USA.
| | - Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Limpho Maile
- Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Robert Manda
- United States Agency for International Development, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Anouk Amzel
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Valerian Kiggundu
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
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Smith BL, Zizzo S, Amzel A, Wiant S, Pezzulo MC, Konopka S, Golin R, Vrazo AC. Integration of Neonatal and Child Health Interventions with Pediatric HIV Interventions in Global Health. Int J MCH AIDS 2018; 7:192-206. [PMID: 30631638 PMCID: PMC6322631 DOI: 10.21106/ijma.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES In the last decade, many strategies have called for integration of HIV and child survival platforms to reduce missed opportunities and improve child health outcomes. Countries with generalized HIV epidemics have been encouraged to optimize each clinical encounter to bend the HIV epidemic curve. This systematic review looks at integrated child health services and summarizes evidence on their health outcomes, service uptake, acceptability, and identified enablers and barriers. METHODS Databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies. Interventions of interest were HIV services integrated with: neonatal/child services for children <5 years, hospital care of children <5 years, immunizations, and nutrition services. Outcomes of interest were: health outcomes of children <5 years, integrated services uptake, acceptability, and enablers and barriers. PROSPERO ID: CRD42017082444. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles were reviewed: 25 (89%) evaluated the integration of HIV services into child health platforms, while three articles (11%) investigated the integration of child health services into HIV platforms. Studies measured health outcomes of children (n=9); service uptake (n=18); acceptability of integrated services (n=8), and enablers and barriers to service integration (n=14). Service integration had positive effects on child health outcomes, HIV testing, and postnatal service uptake. Integrated services were generally acceptable, although confidentiality and stigma were concerns. CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Each clinical "touch point" with infants and children is an opportunity to provide comprehensive health services. In the current era of flat funding levels, integration of HIV and child health services is an effective, acceptable way to achieve positive child health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Smith
- Office of Sustainable Development, Africa Bureau, United States Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
| | - Sara Zizzo
- Office of Sustainable Development, Africa Bureau, United States Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
| | - Anouk Amzel
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
| | - Sarah Wiant
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
| | - Molly C Pezzulo
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
| | - Sarah Konopka
- Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, VA, 22203, USA
| | - Rachel Golin
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
| | - Alexandra C Vrazo
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004, USA
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Siberry GK, Amzel A, Ramos A, Rivadeneira ED. Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance on Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S838-S842. [PMID: 29045697 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience higher rates of virologic failure than adults. Human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance (HIVDR) plays a major role in pediatric HIV treatment failure because nonsuppressive maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as infant antiretroviral prophylaxis lead to high rates of pretreatment drug resistance to regimens most commonly used in children living with HIV. Lack of availability of durable, potent drugs in child-friendly formulations in LMICs and adherence difficulties contribute to acquired drug resistance during treatment. Optimizing drugs available for treating children living with HIV in LMICs, providing robust adherence support, and ensuring virologic monitoring for children receiving ART are essential for reducing HIVDR and improving treatment outcomes for children living with HIV in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George K Siberry
- Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, US Department of State
| | - Anouk Amzel
- Prevention Care and Treatment Division, Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Health Bureau, US Agency for International Development
| | | | - Emilia D Rivadeneira
- Maternal and Child Health Branch, Division of Global HIV/TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Vrazo AC, Firth J, Amzel A, Sedillo R, Ryan J, Phelps BR. Interventions to significantly improve service uptake and retention of HIV-positive pregnant women and HIV-exposed infants along the prevention of mother-to-child transmission continuum of care: systematic review. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 23:136-148. [PMID: 29164754 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the success of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programmes, low uptake of services and poor retention pose a formidable challenge to achieving the elimination of vertical HIV transmission in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review summarises interventions that demonstrate statistically significant improvements in service uptake and retention of HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants along the PMTCT cascade. METHODS Databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies. Outcomes of interest included uptake of services, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) such as initiation, early infant diagnostic testing, and retention of HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants. Interventions that led to statistically significant outcomes were included and mapped to the PMTCT cascade. An eight-item assessment tool assessed study rigour. PROSPERO ID CRD42017063816. RESULTS Of 686 citations reviewed, 11 articles met inclusion criteria. Ten studies detailed maternal outcomes and seven studies detailed infant outcomes in PMTCT programmes. Interventions to increase access to antenatal care (ANC) and ART services (n = 4) and those using lay cadres (n = 3) were most common. Other interventions included quality improvement (n = 2), mHealth (n = 1), and counselling (n = 1). One study described interventions in an Option B+ programme. Limitations included lack of HIV testing and counselling and viral load monitoring outcomes, small sample size, geographical location, and non-randomized assignment and selection of participants. CONCLUSIONS Interventions including ANC/ART integration, family-centred approaches, and the use of lay healthcare providers are demonstrably effective in increasing service uptake and retention of HIV-positive mothers and their infants in PMTCT programmes. Future studies should include control groups and assess whether interventions developed in the context of earlier 'Options' are effective in improving outcomes in Option B+ programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Vrazo
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jacqueline Firth
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anouk Amzel
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rebecca Sedillo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia Ryan
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - B Ryan Phelps
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
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Wright S, Amzel A, Ikoro N, Srivastava M, Leclerc-Madlala S, Bowsky S, Miller H, Phelps BR. Talking to children about their HIV status: a review of available resources, tools, and models for improving and promoting pediatric disclosure. AIDS Care 2017; 29:1019-1025. [PMID: 28081616 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1273471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
As children living with HIV (CLHIV) grow into adolescence and adulthood, caregivers and healthcare providers are faced with the sensitive challenge of when to disclose to a CLHIV his or her HIV status. Despite WHO recommendations for CLHIV to know their status, in countries most affected by HIV, effective resources are often limited, and national guidance on disclosure is often lacking. To address the need for effective resources, gray and scientific literature was searched to identify existing tools and resources that can aid in the disclosure process. From peer-reviewed literature, seven disclosure models from six different countries were identified. From the gray literature, 23 resources were identified including children's books (15), job aides to assist healthcare providers (5), and videos (3). While these existing resources can be tailored to reflect local norms and used to aid in the disclosure process, careful consideration must be taken in order to avoid damaging disclosure practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wright
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
| | - A Amzel
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
| | - N Ikoro
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
| | - M Srivastava
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
| | - S Leclerc-Madlala
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
| | - S Bowsky
- b Futures Group International , Washington , USA
| | - H Miller
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
| | - B R Phelps
- a U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS , Washington , DC , USA
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Makadzange AT, Higgins-Biddle M, Chimukangara B, Birri R, Gordon M, Mahlanza T, McHugh G, van Dijk JH, Bwakura-Dangarembizi M, Ndung’u T, Masimirembwa C, Phelps B, Amzel A, Ojikutu BO, Walker BD, Ndhlovu CE. Clinical, Virologic, Immunologic Outcomes and Emerging HIV Drug Resistance Patterns in Children and Adolescents in Public ART Care in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144057. [PMID: 26658814 PMCID: PMC4678607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine immunologic, virologic outcomes and drug resistance among children and adolescents receiving care during routine programmatic implementation in a low-income country. METHODS A cross-sectional evaluation with collection of clinical and laboratory data for children (0-<10 years) and adolescents (10-19 years) attending a public ART program in Harare providing care for pediatric patients since 2004, was conducted. Longitudinal data for each participant was obtained from the clinic based medical record. RESULTS Data from 599 children and adolescents was evaluated. The participants presented to care with low CD4 cell count and CD4%, median baseline CD4% was lower in adolescents compared with children (11.0% vs. 15.0%, p<0.0001). The median age at ART initiation was 8.0 years (IQR 3.0, 12.0); median time on ART was 2.9 years (IQR 1.7, 4.5). On ART, median CD4% improved for all age groups but remained below 25%. Older age (≥ 5 years) at ART initiation was associated with severe stunting (HAZ <-2: 53.3% vs. 28.4%, p<0.0001). Virologic failure rate was 30.6% and associated with age at ART initiation. In children, nevirapine based ART regimen was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of failure (AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 9.1, p = 0.0180). Children (<10 y) on ART for ≥4 years had higher failure rates than those on ART for <4 years (39.6% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.0239). In those initiating ART as adolescents, each additional year in age above 10 years at the time of ART initiation (AOR 0.4 95%CI: 0.1, 0.9, p = 0.0324), and each additional year on ART (AOR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2, 0.9, p = 0.0379) were associated with decreased risk of virologic failure. Drug resistance was evident in 67.6% of sequenced virus isolates. CONCLUSIONS During routine programmatic implementation of HIV care for children and adolescents, delayed age at ART initiation has long-term implications on immunologic recovery, growth and virologic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. T. Makadzange
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - B. Chimukangara
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
- African Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - R. Birri
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - M. Gordon
- HIV Pathogenesis Program, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - T. Mahlanza
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - G. McHugh
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - J. H. van Dijk
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - M. Bwakura-Dangarembizi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - T. Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Program, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - B. Phelps
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - A. Amzel
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - B. O. Ojikutu
- John Snow Inc, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - B. D. Walker
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - C. E. Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Tam M, Amzel A, Phelps BR. Disclosure of HIV serostatus among pregnant and postpartum women in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. AIDS Care 2015; 27:436-50. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.997662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Holtz SA, Thetard R, Konopka SN, Albertini J, Amzel A, Fogg KP. A Systematic Review of Interventions to Reduce Maternal Mortality among HIV-Infected Pregnant and Postpartum Women. Int J MCH AIDS 2015; 4:11-24. [PMID: 27622004 PMCID: PMC4948129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high-prevalence populations, HIV-related maternal mortality is high with increased mortality found among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women compared to their uninfected peers. The scale-up of HIV-related treatment options and broader reach of programming for HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women is likely to have decreased maternal mortality. This systematic review synthesized evidence on interventions that have directly reduced mortality among this population. METHODS Studies published between January 1, 2003 and November 30, 2014 were searched using PubMed. Of the 1,373 records screened, 19 were included in the analysis. RESULTS Interventions identified through the review include antiretroviral therapy (ART), micronutrients (multivitamins, vitamin A, and selenium), and antibiotics. ART during pregnancy was shown to reduce mortality. Timing of ART initiation, duration of treatment, HIV disease status, and ART discontinuation after pregnancy influence mortality reduction. Incident pregnancy in women already on ART for their health appears not to have adverse consequences for the mother. Multivitamin use was shown to reduce disease progression while other micronutrients and antibiotics had no beneficial effect on maternal mortality. CONCLUSIONS ART was the only intervention identified that decreased death in HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. The findings support global trends in encouraging initiation of lifelong ART for all HIV-infected pregnant and breastfeeding women (Option B+), regardless of their CD4+ count, as an important step in ensuring appropriate care and treatment. GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Maternal mortality is a rare event that highlights challenges in measuring the impact of interventions on mortality. Developing effective patient-centered interventions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as corresponding evaluation measures of their impact, requires further attention by policy makers, program managers, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Holtz
- Health Programs Group, 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203, USA
| | - Rudi Thetard
- African Strategies for Health at Management Sciences for Health, 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203, USA
| | - Sarah N Konopka
- African Strategies for Health at Management Sciences for Health, 4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203, USA
| | - Jennifer Albertini
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bureau for Africa/Office of Sustainable Development, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 USA
| | - Anouk Amzel
- USAID/Bureau for Global Health (BGH)/Office of HIV/AIDS, 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 USA
| | - Karen P Fogg
- USAID/Bureau for Global Health, 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202 USA
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Hodgson I, Plummer ML, Konopka SN, Colvin CJ, Jonas E, Albertini J, Amzel A, Fogg KP. A systematic review of individual and contextual factors affecting ART initiation, adherence, and retention for HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111421. [PMID: 25372479 PMCID: PMC4221025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite progress reducing maternal mortality, HIV-related maternal deaths remain high, accounting, for example, for up to 24 percent of all pregnancy-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective in improving outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women, yet rates of initiation, adherence, and retention remain low. This systematic literature review synthesized evidence about individual and contextual factors affecting ART use among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS Searches were conducted for studies addressing the population (HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women), intervention (ART), and outcomes of interest (initiation, adherence, and retention). Quantitative and qualitative studies published in English since January 2008 were included. Individual and contextual enablers and barriers to ART use were extracted and organized thematically within a framework of individual, interpersonal, community, and structural categories. RESULTS Thirty-four studies were included in the review. Individual-level factors included both those within and outside a woman's awareness and control (e.g., commitment to child's health or age). Individual-level barriers included poor understanding of HIV, ART, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and difficulty managing practical demands of ART. At an interpersonal level, disclosure to a spouse and spousal involvement in treatment were associated with improved initiation, adherence, and retention. Fear of negative consequences was a barrier to disclosure. At a community level, stigma was a major barrier. Key structural barriers and enablers were related to health system use and engagement, including access to services and health worker attitudes. CONCLUSIONS To be successful, programs seeking to expand access to and continued use of ART by integrating maternal health and HIV services must identify and address the relevant barriers and enablers in their own context that are described in this review. Further research on this population, including those who drop out of or never access health services, is needed to inform effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hodgson
- Independent Consultant, Bingley, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah N. Konopka
- Center for Health Services, Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Christopher J. Colvin
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research (CIDER), Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edna Jonas
- Center for Health Services, Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer Albertini
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Africa Bureau, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Anouk Amzel
- USAID/Bureau for Global Health (BGH)/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Karen P. Fogg
- USAID/BGH/Office of Health, Infectious Diseases, and Nutrition, Washington, D.C., USA
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Colvin CJ, Konopka S, Chalker JC, Jonas E, Albertini J, Amzel A, Fogg K. A systematic review of health system barriers and enablers for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108150. [PMID: 25303241 PMCID: PMC4193745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite global progress in the fight to reduce maternal mortality, HIV-related maternal deaths remain persistently high, particularly in much of Africa. Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) appears to be the most effective way to prevent these deaths, but the rates of three key outcomes—ART initiation, retention in care, and long-term ART adherence—remain low. This systematic review synthesized evidence on health systems factors affecting these outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV. Methods Searches were conducted for studies addressing the population of interest (HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women), the intervention of interest (ART), and the outcomes of interest (initiation, adherence, and retention). Quantitative and qualitative studies published in English since January 2008 were included. A four-stage narrative synthesis design was used to analyze findings. Review findings from 42 included studies were categorized according to five themes: 1) models of care, 2) service delivery, 3) resource constraints and governance challenges, 4) patient-health system engagement, and 5) maternal ART interventions. Results Low prioritization of maternal ART and persistent dropout along the maternal ART cascade were key findings. Service delivery barriers included poor communication and coordination among health system actors, poor clinical practices, and gaps in provider training. The few studies that assessed maternal ART interventions demonstrated the importance of multi-pronged, multi-leveled interventions. Conclusions There has been a lack of emphasis on the experiences, needs and vulnerabilities particular to HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women. Supporting these women to successfully traverse the maternal ART cascade requires carefully designed and targeted interventions throughout the steps. Careful design of integrated service delivery models is of critical importance in this effort. Key knowledge gaps and research priorities were also identified, including definitions and indicators of adherence rates, and the importance of cumulative measures of dropout along the maternal ART cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Colvin
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research (CIDER), Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Medical School Campus, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Konopka
- Center for Health Services, Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - John C. Chalker
- Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Edna Jonas
- Center for Health Services, Management Sciences for Health, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Albertini
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Africa Bureau, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Anouk Amzel
- USAID/Bureau for Global Health (BGH)/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Karen Fogg
- USAID/BGH/Office of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
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Ojikutu B, Higgins-Biddle M, Greeson D, Phelps BR, Amzel A, Okechukwu E, Kolapo U, Cabral H, Cooper E, Hirschhorn LR. The association between quality of HIV care, loss to follow-up and mortality in pediatric and adolescent patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100039. [PMID: 25075742 PMCID: PMC4116117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to pediatric HIV treatment in resource-limited settings has risen significantly. However, little is known about the quality of care that pediatric or adolescent patients receive. The objective of this study is to explore quality of HIV care and treatment in Nigeria and to determine the association between quality of care, loss-to-follow-up and mortality. A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients ≤18 years of age who initiated ART between November 2002 and December 2011 at 23 sites across 10 states. 1,516 patients were included. A quality score comprised of 6 process indicators was calculated for each patient. More than half of patients (55.5%) were found to have a high quality score, using the median score as the cut-off. Most patients were screened for tuberculosis at entry into care (81.3%), had adherence measurement and counseling at their last visit (88.7% and 89.7% respectively), and were prescribed co-trimoxazole at some point during enrollment in care (98.8%). Thirty-seven percent received a CD4 count in the six months prior to chart review. Mortality within 90 days of ART initiation was 1.9%. A total of 4.2% of patients died during the period of follow-up (mean: 27 months) with 19.0% lost to follow-up. In multivariate regression analyses, weight for age z-score (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR): 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.95) and high quality indicator score (compared a low score, AHR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.73) had a protective effect on mortality. Patients with a high quality score were less likely to be lost to follow-up (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 0.42; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.56), compared to those with low score. These findings indicate that providing high quality care to children and adolescents living with HIV is important to improve outcomes, including lowering loss to follow-up and decreasing mortality in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisola Ojikutu
- John Snow Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Infectious Disease Division, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Dana Greeson
- Columbia University, Department of Epidemiology, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Benjamin R. Phelps
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, D. C., United States of America
| | - Anouk Amzel
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington, D. C., United States of America
| | - Emeka Okechukwu
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Howard Cabral
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ellen Cooper
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lisa R. Hirschhorn
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Amzel A, Toska E, Lovich R, Widyono M, Patel T, Foti C, Dziuban EJ, Phelps BR, Sugandhi N, Mark D, Altschuler J. Promoting a combination approach to paediatric HIV psychosocial support. AIDS 2013; 27 Suppl 2:S147-57. [PMID: 24361624 PMCID: PMC4672375 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ninety percent of the 3.4 million HIV-infected children live in sub-Saharan Africa. Their psychosocial well being is fundamental to establishing and maintaining successful treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. With the increased roll-out of antiretroviral treatment, HIV infection is shifting from a life-threatening to a chronic disease. However, even for paediatric patients enrolled in care and treatment, HIV can still be devastating due to the interaction of complex factors, particularly in the context of other household illness and overextended healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa.This article explores the negative effect of several interrelated HIV-specific factors on the psychosocial well being of HIV-infected children: disclosure, stigma and discrimination, and bereavement. However, drawing on clinical studies of resilience, it stresses the need to move beyond a focus on the individual as a full response to the needs of a sick child requires support for the individual child, caregiver-child dyads, extended families, communities, and institutions. This means providing early and progressive age appropriate interventions aimed at increasing the self-reliance and self-acceptance in children and their caregivers and promoting timely health-seeking behaviours. Critical barriers that cause poorer biomedical and psychosocial outcomes among children and caregiver must also be addressed as should the causes and consequences of stigma and associated gender and social norms.This article reviews interventions at different levels of the ecological model: individual-centred programs, family-centred interventions, programs that support or train healthcare providers, community interventions for HIV-infected children, and initiatives that improve the capacity of schools to provide more supportive environments for HIV-infected children. Although experience is increasing in approaches that address the psychosocial needs of vulnerable and HIV-infected children, there is still limited evidence demonstrating which interventions have positive effects on the well being of HIV-infected children. Interventions that improve the psychosocial well being of children living with HIV must be replicable in resource-limited settings, avoiding dependence on specialized staff for implementation.This paper advocates for combination approaches that strengthen the capacity of service providers, expand the availability of age appropriate and family-centred support and equip schools to be more protective and supportive of children living with HIV. The coordination of care with other community-based interventions is also needed to foster more supportive and less stigmatizing environments. To ensure effective, feasible, and scalable interventions, improving the evidence base to document improved outcomes and longer term impact as well as implementation of operational studies to document delivery approaches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Amzel
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK and
- Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA), Cape Town, SA
| | - Ronnie Lovich
- Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC USA
| | - Monique Widyono
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | - Tejal Patel
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | - Carrie Foti
- Education Development Center, Inc., Waltham, MA USA
| | - Eric J. Dziuban
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - B. Ryan Phelps
- US Agency for International Development, Global Health/Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Daniella Mark
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA
- Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA), Cape Town, SA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess American newspaper coverage regarding racial and ethnic minority health disparities (MHDs). METHODS LexisNexis was queried with specific word combinations to elicit all MHD articles printed in 257 newspapers from 2000-2004. The full texts were read and articles categorized by racial/ethnic group and specific MHD topics mentioned. RESULTS In the five years from 2000-2004, 1188 MHD articles were published, representing 0.09% of all articles about health. Newspapers gave much attention to MHD when discussed in conferences and meetings and speeches by senior health officials and politicians. Cancer, cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS were most frequent among disease-specific mentions. Articles about African Americans comprised 60.4% of all race/ethnicity-mentioning articles. CONCLUSIONS Despite the release of major organizational reports and the publication of many studies confirming the prevalence of MHD, few newspaper articles have been published explaining MHD to the public. Because of the general public's low rate of health literacy, the health world should collaborate with the media to present a consistent, simple message concerning gaps in care experienced by all racial/ethnic minority groups. In a time of consumer-directed healthcare, if Americans understand that MHDs exist, they may galvanize to advocate for disparity elimination and quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Amzel
- Department of General Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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