A Cascade of Interventions to Promote Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in African Countries

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewpeer-review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We reviewed interventions to improve uptake and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in African countries in the Treat All era.

RECENT FINDINGS: ART initiation can be improved by facilitated rapid receipt of first prescription, including community-based linkage and point-of-care strategies, integration of HIV care into antenatal care and peer support for adolescents. For people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART, scheduled SMS reminders, ongoing intensive counselling for those with viral non-suppression and economic incentives for the most deprived show promise. Adherence clubs should be promoted, being no less effective than facility-based care for stable patients. Tracing those lost to follow-up should be targeted to those who can be seen face-to-face by a peer worker. Investment is needed to promote linkage to initiating ART and for differentiated approaches to counselling for youth and for those with identified suboptimal adherence. More evidence from within Africa is needed on cost-effective strategies to identify and support PLHIV at an increased risk of non-adherence across the treatment cascade.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCurrent HIV - AIDS Reports
Volume17
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)529-546
Number of pages18
ISSN1548-3568
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2020
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Adolescent, Adult, Africa, Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use, Counseling, Female, HIV Infections/drug therapy, Humans, Male, Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data, Pregnancy, Psychosocial Support Systems, Young Adult

ID: 257650384