Implementation and effectiveness of a linkage to HIV care intervention in rural South Africa (ANRS 12249 TasP trial).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Timely linkage to care and ART initiation is critical to decrease the risks of HIV-related morbidity, mortality and HIV transmission, but is often challenging. We report on the implementation and effectiveness of a linkage-to-care intervention in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

In the ANRS 12249 TasP trial on Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) implemented between 2012-2016, resident individuals ≥16 years were offered home-based HIV testing every six months. Those ascertained to be HIV-positive were referred to trial clinics. Starting May 2013, a linkage-to-care intervention was implemented in both trial arms, consisting of tracking through phone calls and/or home visits to "re-refer" people who had not linked to care to trial clinics within three mon

SUBMITTER: Plazy M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9858381 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature