The Portuguese HIV/AIDS Programme under austerity

Abstract

Abstract Background The HIV/AIDS Programme has been a core health programme in Portugal leading the country’s response to the HIV epidemics since the 1980s. In 2011, the severe financial and economical context forced the government to reorganize central services, including the Ministry of Health, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. All vertical programmes were reformed, including the HIV/AIDS Programme. Methods For the period 2009-2018, we analyse the outcomes of core HIV prevention programmes managed by the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection: the syringe exchange programme, HIV testing, the distribution of preventive materials, and financial support to private non-for-profit organisations. Results This paper describes the main features of that reform and analyses selected outcomes, as well as how those financial constraints affected the response to HIV/AIDS. Despite some transitory cuts in spending, the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection was able to successfully expand testing and prevention interventions. Strategic partnerships with non-governmental and community-based organisations were crucial to continue delivering adequate HIV testing services and reaching most-at-risk groups. Conclusions The main goals of the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection for the term 2012-2016 were reached, including the decrease of new HIV infections, new AIDS cases and AIDS-related deaths, and the country is in a good position to meet UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 targets by 2020. Scaling-up access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, improving access and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and continuously promoting access to HIV testing services and HIV self-testing stand as the main challenges of the National Programme for HIV/AIDS Infection in the near future. Key messages Prioritise spending under financial constrains can be cost-effective. Besides transitory cuts, HIV programme was able to meet its goals.