Assessing barriers to treatment for all: an analysis of resources for PLHA in Cayo and Stann Creek Districts of Belize

Abstract

Background The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) launched a global campaign, 90:90:90, which aims to ensure that by 2030: 90% of the people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of those diagnosed with HIV will receive sustained ART, and 90% of those on ART will have durable viral suppression. Belize is striving towards completing this goal and contributing to international efforts for eliminating HIV globally. In order to successfully reach 90% of the population receiving sustained ART, barriers to care that decrease retention rates must be addressed. To combat barriers to care for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), resources must serve to eliminate the obstacles negatively affecting adherence to treatment. Methods This study aimed to (a) assess treatment and care resources in Cayo and Stann Creek districts and (b) pose questions to key informants to gain deeper understanding of HIV services and patient utilization. The study was conducted from May to July 2016 and focused in Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Dangriga to produce an HIV services inventory for the Cayo and Stann Creek districts. Results Our participants composed of 50% civil society and 50% government organizations. 50% of the locations worked less than 45 hours per week and most commonly served the community by providing training, health fairs, and posters. Resources with the lowest number of facility participation were directly observed therapy (DOT), HIV support group (HSG), and prescriptions. The emerging themes from the key informants were (a) concern with patients’ needs, (b) unsustainable resources, and (c) inadequate quality of treatment and care beyond the provider’s control. Results convey the gap between the needs of PLHA and what is being offered by the organizations in the community. In addition, key informants note the unsustainable resources that may contribute to the current climate. Conclusions The final product of this study included a report based on the data produced, a patient-friendly brochure in English listing resources available, and an infographic summarizing the findings of this study.