Approaches for improving linkage to HIV care among HIV self-testing individuals in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains the region with the highest burden of HIV/AIDS globally, accounting for about two-thirds of people living with HIV/AIDS.1 Despite significant progress in scaling up HIV testing and treatment services in the region, linkage to HIV care remains a significant challenge. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in 2019, only 81% of people living with HIV in SSA knew their HIV status, and only 68% of those diagnosed were on antiretroviral therapy (ART).2 Poor linkage to HIV care is a major barrier to achieving the UNAIDS 95-95- 95 targets, which aim to diagnose 95% of people living with HIV, put 95% of those diagnosed on ART and achieve viral suppression in 95% of those on ART by 2030.