Implementation of the 'Test and Treat' policy for newly diagnosed people living with HIV in Zimbabwe in 2017.
Rufu, A;
Chitimbire, VTS;
Nzou, C;
Timire, C;
Owiti, P;
Harries, AD;
Apollo, T;
(2018)
Implementation of the 'Test and Treat' policy for newly diagnosed people living with HIV in Zimbabwe in 2017.
Public health action, 8 (3).
pp. 145-150.
ISSN 2220-8372
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5588/pha.18.0030
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Setting: Sixteen mission hospitals in Zimbabwe that are implementing the 'Test and Treat' programme for people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objectives: To assess linkages of HIV diagnosis to care and treatment, time taken from being diagnosed with HIV infection to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 3-month programmatic outcomes for those starting ART. Design: Cross-sectional study using secondary data. Results: Among 972 people newly diagnosed with HIV, 915 (94%) enrolled for HIV care and 771 (79%) were initiated on ART. Enrolment in care and initiation on ART on the same day as testing occurred in respectively 864 (89%) and 628 (65%) newly diagnosed patients. Over 80% of those who underwent HIV testing in maternal and child health departments initiated ART on the same day. Of the 144 (16%) people in care who were not initiated on ART, the principal reason in 102 (71%) was being transferred out. Most patients (90%) on ART were retained in care at 3 months, with transfer out accounting for most of the remainder. Conclusion: The 'Test and Treat' approach was feasible and successful in getting newly HIV-infected people initiated early on ART. More research is needed to better understand the processes, benefits and potential risks.