Considerations for strengthening ART scale-up for children

Abstract

Despite improved outcomes for children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, major disparities still exist between low-income and high-income countries. In The Lancet HIV, Victoria Iyun and colleagues 1 Iyun Victoria Technau Karl-Gunter Vinikoor Michael et al. Variations in the characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV following universal ART in sub-Saharan Africa (2006–17): a retrospective cohort study. Lancet HIV. 2021; (published online April 28.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(21)00004-7 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar report results of a retrospective analysis on variations in characteristics and outcomes in children living with HIV who were younger than 5 years at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation following universal ART roll-out in 16 low-income, lower-middle income, and upper-middle income countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2006 and 2017. The investigators analysed ART initiation characteristics, mortality, and loss to follow-up across 3 calendar time periods and identified risk factors for mortality in children initiated on ART. Variations in the characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV following universal ART in sub-Saharan Africa (2006–17): a retrospective cohort studyMortality declined significantly after universal ART recommendations for children younger than 2 years in 2010 and children younger than 5 years in 2013. However, substantial variations persisted across country income groups, and one in five children continue to be lost to follow-up. Targeted interventions are required to improve outcomes of children living with HIV, especially in the poorest countries. Full-Text PDF