Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Hub Model at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand: High Levels of Acceptability, Long-Term Retention, and Viral Load Suppression

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Background: WHO has recommended rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, including same-day ART (SDART). However, data on the feasibility in real-world settings are limited. We implemented a cohort study at a stand-alone HIV testing center using initiation hub model to examine its applicability and effectiveness. Methods: We collected data from the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, from clients who were ART-naive and could return for follow-up visits (logistical criteria). Baseline laboratory tests and chest x-ray were performed according to national guidelines, and clinical eligibility was determined based only on physical examination and chest x-ray finding. Acceptability and care linkage were assessed, as well as viral load (VL) suppression and retention in care three, six, and 12 months after ART initiation. Historical data from clients at the same venue between February 2015 to June 2017 were used to compare ART initiation after HIV diagnosis and VL suppression with SDART clients by using Cox proportional-hazards model. Findings: Between July 2017 and July 2018, 2,427 people tested HIV-positive at the clinic, and 2,107 met logistical criteria. Of these, 1,904 (90·4%) agreed to SDART. 1,624 (85·3%) were placed on ART, and 77·4% (1,251/1,624) received same-day initiation. 92·8% (1,198/1,291) were successfully referred to sustained ART sites. Retention at month three, six, and 12 was 93·3% (1,211/1,289), 89·0% (757/851), and 92·1% (70/76), respectively. When compared to historical data, the hazard ratios to ART initiation after HIV diagnosis and viral load suppression among SDART clients were 3·6 (95%CI:3·4-3·8;p<0·001), and 2·1 (95%CI:1·8- 2·3;p<0·001), respectively. Interpretation: Same-Day ART at a stand-alone HIV testing center in an urban setting in Bangkok, Thailand, is highly feasible, and improves ART uptake and viral load suppression. Funding Statement: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre. Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests related to this work. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chulalongkorn University.