Risk Factors for Recent HIV Infections among Adults in 14 Countries in Africa Identified by Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Surveys, 2015-2019.

Identifying persons who have newly acquired HIV infections is critical for characterizing the HIV epidemic direction. We analyzed pooled data from nationally representative Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment surveys conducted across 14 countries in Africa for recent infection risk factors. We included adults 15-49 years of age who had sex during the previous year and used a recent infection testing algorithm to distinguish recent from long-term infections. We collected risk factor information via participant interviews and assessed correlates of recent infection using multinomial logistic regression, incorporating each survey's complex sampling design. Compared with HIV-negative persons, persons with higher odds of recent HIV infection were women, were divorced/separated/widowed, had multiple recent sex partners, had a recent HIV-positive sex partner or one with unknown status, and lived in communities with higher HIV viremia prevalence. Prevention programs focusing on persons at higher risk for HIV and their sexual partners will contribute to reducing HIV incidence.

Factors associated with viral suppression among adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria: Analysis of a population-based survey, 2018.

OBJECTIVE: Viral load suppression (VLS) is critical in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with HIV as well as minimizing the likelihood of HIV transmission to uninfected persons. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with VLS among people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to inform HIV programme strategies in Nigeria. METHODS: Adult participants, aged 15-64 years, from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), who self-reported to be a PLWH or had detectable ARVs, were analysed to examine factors associated with VLS defined as HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL. NAIIS measured HIV prevalence, viral load, ARV and hepatitis B in PLWH. Logistic regression models were used and reported weighted prevalence. RESULTS: Of 1322 participants, 949 (68.25%) were women and 1287 (96.82%) had detectable ARVs. The median age was 39.31 [interquartile range (IQR): 31.47-47.63] years. Prevalence of VLS was 80.88%. Compared with participants with detectable ARVs, those with undetectable ARVs in their blood specimens had lower odds of VLS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08-0.64). Coinfection with hepatitis B and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor metabolites were also associated with lower odds of VLS. Older people (45-54 vs 15-24 years) had increased odds of VLS (aOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.14-6.90). CONCLUSION: Young people and those with undetectable ARVs had lower odds of virological suppression. Targeted interventions focusing on young people and adherence to medication are needed to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals for HIV epidemic control.

Assessing risk factors for hypertension in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Although the risk of AIDS-associated diseases has declined dramatically with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the incidence rates of chronic non-AIDS-associated diseases in perinatally HIV-infected adults have risen and have not been well characterized. Both traditional and HIV-associated risk factors have been found to contribute to hypertension in non-perinatally HIV-infected adults; whether these same factors contribute to hypertension in perinatally infected adults is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic, clinical, virological and immunological factors associated with systemic hypertension among a cohort of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and young adults. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study among a population of adults aged 18-35 years with perinatally acquired HIV infection receiving care at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Covariates assessed included traditional risk factors such as age, family history of hypertension, and smoking, as well as numerous HIV- and antiretroviral-associated covariates, including CD4 nadir. RESULTS: Approximately 31% of the cohort met criteria for hypertension. There were no significant differences in the odds of most traditional or HIV-associated risk factors among perinatally HIV-infected adults with hypertension compared with those with no diagnosis of hypertension. Exposure to lopinavir/ritonavir was associated with greater odds of not having hypertension, while a concurrent diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was associated with greater odds of having hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that most traditional and HIV-related risk factors do not appear to increase the odds of having hypertension in this cohort of individuals. The aetiology of hypertension in this population remains to be elucidated.

Testing modality associated with fast-track ART initiation in Botswana.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify community testing modalities associated with fast-track ART initiation in Botswana. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all Botswana citizens 15 years or older who were newly identified as HIV-positive from 1 May 2017 to 31 January 2019, in Mahalapye and Southern districts. We used Poisson regression with robust error variance and generalised linear mixed models to control for cluster effects to model risk of ART initiation within 7 and 30 days of HIV diagnosis, testing modality factors. RESULTS: A total of 1436 individuals were newly identified HIV-positive, with men accounting for 60% across all testing modalities. 22% of all HIV-positive individuals were initiated on ART within 7 days. Clients diagnosed through index testing were more likely to be started on ART within 7 days (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.38, 95% CI 1.37-1.38) and 30 days (aRR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26) than those diagnosed through mobile/outreach testing. CONCLUSIONS: Community HIV testing can complement facility-based testing by reaching individuals who may be less likely to seek HIV services at a facility, such as men. Monitoring ART initiation by testing modalities is critical to identify the optimal ones and to guide continuous programme improvement.

Re-Engagement into HIV Care: A Systematic Review.

Identifying evidence-based interventions that can optimize the re-engagement into care of people living with HIV is necessary to achieve and sustain HIV epidemic control. We conducted a systematic review of interventions for re-engagement into HIV care to examine the accumulated evidence and to identify similarities and differences across studies. Between January and March 2020, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for publications from 1996 to 2020. We screened 765 references and selected 125 publications for full-text review. For the nine included studies, the intervention centered on (1) integration of clinic and HIV surveillance data; (2) additional or different levels of support provided by healthcare workers; or (3) multi-component intervention. Irrespective of the interventions, mixed results were found for re-engagement into care or ART re-initiation. None of the studies led to an improvement in viral suppression. Re-engagement in HIV care is critical for longitudinal HIV and national program success. Standardizing definitions for out-of-care and re-engagement would facilitate the comparison of interventions. Rigorous study designs to assess strategies to enhance HIV re-engagement are warranted.

People aging with HIV - protecting a population vulnerable to effects of COVID-19 and its control measures.

Certain comorbidities known to increase the risk of poor outcomes in COVID-19 exist at higher rates in people with HIV; people aging with HIV (PAWH) face additional risk due to the association of advanced age with COVID-19 mortality. Cognitive and functional deficits and social barriers have been identified in cohorts of people aging with HIV. It is postulated that the COVID-19 pandemic potentially threatens PAWH disproportionately to the general population, both in mortality risk due to age and comorbidities, and in potential deleterious effects of policies that seek to drastically limit in-person interaction and access to healthcare systems. A description of and preliminary data from a demonstration project to improve geriatric assessments of people with HIV over age 50 in an urban HIV clinic are presented, in support of this theory. Advice is offered on key strategies utilized to continue to provide care to PAWH during the COVID-19 pandemic, including transition to telemedicine, vaccination, revision of staff roles, repurposing of funding, and a new reliance on available local resources.

Advanced HIV disease management practices within inpatient medicine units at a referral hospital in Zambia: a retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Zambia recently achieved UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets for HIV epidemic control; however, inpatient facilities continue to face a large burden of patients with advanced HIV disease and HIV-related mortality. Management of advanced HIV disease, following guidelines from outpatient settings, may be more difficult within complex inpatient settings. We evaluated adherence to HIV guidelines during hospitalization, including opportunistic infection (OI) screening, treatment, and prophylaxis. METHODS: We reviewed inpatient medical records of people living with HIV (PLHIV) admitted to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia between December 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV biomarkers, and OI screening and treatment-including tuberculosis (TB), Cryptococcus, and OI prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole (CTX). Screening and treatment cascades were constructed based on the 2017 WHO Advanced HIV Guidelines. RESULTS: We reviewed files from 200 charts of patients with advanced HIV disease; of these 92% (184/200) had been on ART previously; 58.1% (107/184) for more than 12 months. HIV viral load (VL) testing was uncommon but half of VL results were high. 39% (77/200) of patients had a documented CD4 count result. Of the 172 patients not on anti-TB treatment (ATT) on admission, TB diagnostic tests (either sputum Xpert MTB/RIF MTB/RIF or urine TB-LAM) were requested for 105 (61%) and resulted for 60 of the 105 (57%). Nine of the 14 patients (64%) with a positive lab result for TB died before results were available. Testing for Cryptococcosis was performed predominantly in patients with symptoms of meningitis. Urine TB-LAM testing was rarely performed. CONCLUSIONS: At a referral hospital in Zambia, CD4 testing was inconsistent due to laboratory challenges and this reduced recognition of AHD and implementation of AHD guidelines. HIV programs can potentially reduce mortality and identify PLHIV with retention and adherence issues through strengthening inpatient activities, including reflex VL testing, TB-LAM and serum CrAg during hospitalization.

Cross-Reactivity of Two SARS-CoV-2 Serological Assays in a Setting Where Malaria Is Endemic.

Accurate SARS-CoV-2 serological assays are critical for COVID-19 serosurveillance. However, previous studies have indicated possible cross-reactivity of these assays, including in areas where malaria is endemic. We tested 213 well-characterized prepandemic samples from Nigeria using two SARS-CoV-2 serological assays, Abbott Architect IgG and Euroimmun NCP IgG assay, both targeting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. To assess antibody binding strength, an avidity assay was performed on these samples and on plasma from SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive persons. Thirteen (6.1%) of 212 samples run on the Abbott assay and 38 (17.8%) of 213 run on the Euroimmun assay were positive. Anti-Plasmodium IgG levels were significantly higher among false positives for both Abbott and Euroimmun; no association was found with active Plasmodium falciparum infection. An avidity assay using various concentrations of urea wash in the Euroimmun assay reduced loosely bound IgG: of 37 positive/borderline prepandemic samples, 46%, 86%, 89%, and 97% became negative using 2 M, 4 M, 5 M, and 8 M urea washes, respectively. The wash slightly reduced avidity of antibodies from SARS-CoV-2 patients within 28 days of PCR confirmation; thereafter, avidity increased for all urea concentrations except 8 M. This validation found moderate to substantial cross-reactivity on two SARS-CoV-2 serological assays using samples from a setting where malaria is endemic. A simple urea wash appeared to alleviate issues of cross-reactivity.

Metabolic Changes in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Who Carry IFNL4-ΔG and Achieve Sustained Virologic Response With Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in rapid changes in metabolic parameters early in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Long-term changes after sustained virologic response (SVR) remain unknown. METHODS: We investigated longitudinal changes in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) using a general linear model for repeated measurements at 5 clinical time points and by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and IFNL4 genotype. RESULTS: The mean LDL increased markedly during DAA therapy (pre-DAA, 86.6 to DAA, 107.4 mg/dL; P < .0001), but then it decreased to 97.7 mg/dL by post-SVR year 1 (P < .001 compared with DAA; P = .0013 compared with SVR). In patients who carry the IFNL4-ΔG allele, mean LDL increased during treatment, then decreased at post-SVR year 1; however, in patients with TT/TT, genotype did not change during and after DAA treatment. The mean ALT and AST normalized rapidly between pre-DAA and DAA, whereas only mean ALT continued to decrease until post-SVR. Metabolic and inflammatory outcomes were similar by HIV-coinfection status. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in LDL among CHC patients who achieved SVR differed by IFNL4 genotype, which implicates the interferon-λ4 protein in metabolic changes observed in HCV-infected patients.

Concurrent Initiation of Hepatitis C and Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in People Who Inject Drugs.

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs have a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and significant disease associated with drug use; however, HCV treatment often occurs in absence of interventions to address opioid use disorder and drug use-related harms. The impact of concurrent initiation of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) on HCV treatment and drug use outcomes is unknown. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label, observational trial at a harm reduction organization's drop-in center in Washington, DC, 100 patients with chronic HCV infection, opioid use disorder, and ongoing injection drug use were treated with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir for 12-weeks and offered buprenorphine initiation. The primary end point was sustained virologic response (SVR), and secondary end points included uptake of and retention in OAT, change in risk behavior, and determinants of SVR. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (82%) achieved SVR, which was not associated with baseline OAT status (P = .33), on-treatment drug use (P >.99), or imperfect daily adherence (P = .35) but was significantly associated with completing 2 or more 28-pill bottles of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (P < .001) and receiving OAT at week 24 (P = .01). Of 67 patients not already receiving OAT at baseline, 53 (79%) started OAT. At week 24, 68 (68%) patients were receiving OAT. Receipt of OAT was associated with fewer opiate-positive urine drug screens (P = .003), lower human immunodeficiency virus risk-taking behavior scores (P < .001), and lower rates of opioid overdose (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The Novel Model of Hepatitis C Treatment as an Anchor to Prevent HIV, Initiate Opioid Agonist Therapy, and Reduce Risky Behavior study demonstrates high uptake of buprenorphine collocated with HCV treatment, and it shows that concurrent initiation of OAT with HCV treatment can result in high rates of SVR while reducing risks associated with drug use. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03221309.

Intravesicular Cidofovir in the Treatment of BK Virus-Associated Hemorrhagic Cystitis Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: BK virus hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV-HC) is a common complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); optimal management remains uncertain. Supportive care (bladder irrigation and blood transfusions) and intravenous and intravesicular cidofovir have all been used with varying success. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of intravesicular cidofovir for BKV-HC following HSCT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all HSCT patients with BKV-HC prescribed intravesicular cidofovir from 2012 to 2017. Results: 33 patients were treated for BKV-HC. The median age was 50 years (range 23-73), and 18 (55%) were male. The median HC symptom severity was 2, with a median BK urine viral load pretreatment of 100,000,000 IU/mL. Patients received a median of 2 intravesicular treatments (range 1-7) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg per instillation. In all, 19 (59%) patients demonstrated complete clinical resolution of symptoms; 9 (28%) had a partial response; and 4 (13%) had no change in symptoms. Patients with a high pretreatment BK viral load (>100 million) and high HC grade (2-4) had a lower frequency of complete remission. The main side effect of intravesicular instillation was severe bladder spasms in 4 patients (12%). Conclusion and Relevance: This is the largest study of intravesicular cidofovir treatment of BKV HC reported to date; 88% of patients with BVK-HC achieved clinical improvement of symptoms with minimal side effects. Clinical trials of intravesicular cidofovir could provide further evidence for this treatment for BKV-HC.

Prevalence of Systemic Hypertension Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Young Adults in Baltimore, Maryland.

OBJECTIVES: Adults with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) infection may be at increased risk for nonacquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diseases, including systemic hypertension (HTN). The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of HTN among young adults with PHIV compared with recently infected and uninfected young adults. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of young adults with PHIV, frequency matched on race and sex to a stratified random sample of young adults with nonperinatally acquired HIV (NPHIV) and HIV-uninfected young adults. All of the subjects were aged 18 to 29 years. HTN was defined as two systolic blood pressure measurements ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg at least 3 months apart and/or prescription for an antihypertensive medication. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between HIV infection and HTN. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients were included-108 per exposure group. The prevalence of HTN was 23% among individuals with PHIV, 10% among individuals with NPHIV, and 8% among HIV-uninfected patients. PHIV patients had 3.4 (95% CI 1.48-7.66) times the base odds of having HTN compared with HIV-uninfected patients, and 2.7 (95% CI 1.23-5.71) times the odds compared with NPHIV patients. By multivariable analysis, PHIV patients had 4.7 and 2.9 times the odds of having HTN compared with HIV-uninfected patients and NPHIV patients, respectively, after controlling for sex, race, and family history of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that HTN prevalence among PHIV young adults is significantly higher than sex- and race-matched NPHIV and HIV-uninfected patients of similar age.

Effectiveness of Protease Inhibitor/Nucleos(t)ide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Based Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy for the Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, 25.5 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), representing 70% of the global total. The need for second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) is projected to increase in the next decade in keeping with the expansion of treatment provision. Outcome data are required to inform policy. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the virological outcomes of protease inhibitor (PI)-based second-line ART in sub-Saharan Africa. The primary outcome was virological suppression (HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL) after 48 and 96 weeks of treatment. The secondary outcome was the proportion of patients with PI resistance. Pooled aggregate data were analyzed using a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. Results: By intention-to-treat analysis, virological suppression occurred in 69.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58.2%-79.3%) of patients at week 48 (4558 participants, 14 studies), and in 61.5% (95% CI, 47.2%-74.9%) at week 96 (2145 participants, 8 studies). Preexisting resistance to nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) increased the likelihood of virological suppression. Major protease resistance mutations occurred in a median of 17% (interquartile range, 0-25%) of the virological failure population and increased with duration of second-line ART. Conclusions: One-third of patients receiving PI-based second-line ART with continued NRTI use in sub-Saharan Africa did not achieve virological suppression, although among viremic patients, protease resistance was infrequent. Significant challenges remain in implementation of viral load monitoring. Optimizing definitions and strategies for management of second-line ART failure is a research priority. Prospero Registration: CRD42016048985.

Cancer Knowledge and Opportunities for Education Among HIV-Infected Patients in an Urban Academic Medical Center.

HIV-infected patients frequently present with advanced stage cancer. It is possible that late stage presentation may be related to lack of cancer knowledge and/or barriers to care. Questionnaires were administered to 285 adult HIV-infected patients to evaluate knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms and barriers to care between 2011 and 2012. Differences in mean and percent scores by group were assessed using a t test for independent samples and chi-square analysis, respectively. Respondents were predominantly male (64%), African-American (86%), and low income (60% < $10,000/year). Thirty-four (12%) had been diagnosed with cancer, and 169 (59%) had a family history of cancer. The mean knowledge score was 17.5 out of 24 questions (73%). Mean scores were not significantly different by sex, age, race, or income. Respondents with a college education scored significantly higher than those with less than a high school education (p < 0.01). In unadjusted analysis, a higher proportion of patients with a personal/family history of cancer (74%) scored in the highest quartile (>70% correct) compared to those without any personal history of cancer (62%) (p = 0.03). There was a higher level of cancer knowledge in this population compared to studies that have evaluated the HIV-uninfected population. Nevertheless, there were knowledge deficits, suggesting the need for further education about cancer to improve earlier detection rates and, ultimately, outcomes.

Difficulties in demonstrating superiority of an antibiotic for multidrug-resistant bacteria in nonrandomized studies.

The discovery and development of new antimicrobials is critically important, especially as multidrug-resistant bacteria continue to emerge. Little has been written about the epidemiological issues in nonrandomized trials aiming to evaluate the superiority of one antibiotic over another. In this manuscript, we outline some of the methodological difficulties in demonstrating superiority and discuss potential approaches to these problems. Many of the difficulties arise due to confounding by indication, which we define and explain. Epidemiological methods including restriction, matching, stratification, multivariable regression, propensity scores, and instrumental variables are discussed.

Interferon-free hepatitis C treatment increases a surrogate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in Black veterans living with HIV.

Veterans living with HIV (VLWH) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection have an exacerbated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unknown if HCV cure reduces CVD risk in this population. We evaluated changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as a surrogate of CVD risk, 18 months after HCV cure in VLWH. We found significant increases in LDL in VLWH with advanced fibrosis, potentially increasing CVD risk. Lower LDL thresholds to initiate lipid-lowering therapies in VLWH after HCV cure may be warranted.

Prevalence, trends, and factors associated with maternal autonomy regarding healthcare, finances, and mobility in Bangladesh: Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys 1999-2018.

Maternal autonomy is associated with improved healthcare utilization/outcomes for mothers and babies in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the trends in the prevalence and factors associated with maternal autonomy in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study analyzed the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey for 1999-00, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017-18. Maternal autonomy was defined as at least one decision-making ability regarding healthcare, large household purchases, and freedom of mobility. We included 15-49-year-old mothers with at least one live-birth in the past three years. We compared the samples based on the presence of autonomy and reported the trends in prevalence (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) across the survey years. Lastly, we performed multilevel logistic regression to report prevalence odds ratios (PORs) for the associated factors. Variables investigated as potential factors included maternal age, number of children, maternal education, paternal education, current work, religion, mass media exposure, wealth quintile, place and division of residence, and survey years. The prevalence of 'any' maternal autonomy was 72.0% (95% CI: 70.5-73.5) in 1999-00 and increased to 83.8% (95% CI: 82.7-84.9) in 2017-18. In adjusted analysis, mothers with older age, higher education, work outside the home, and mass media exposure had higher odds of autonomy than their counterparts (POR > 1, p < 0.05). For instance, compared to mothers without any formal education, the odds of autonomy were significantly (p < 0.001) higher among mothers with primary (adjusted POR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4), secondary (adjusted POR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6), and college/above (adjusted POR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6-2.2) education. While the level of maternal autonomy has increased, a substantial proportion still do not have autonomy. Expanding educational and earning opportunities may increase maternal autonomy. Further research should investigate other ways to improve it as well.

Comparison of HIV prevalence, incidence, and viral load suppression in Zambia population-based HIV impact assessments from 2016 and 2021.

BACKGROUND: The Zambian government has implemented a public health response to control the HIV epidemic in the country. Zambia conducted a population-based HIV impact assessment (ZAMPHIA) survey in 2021 to assess the status of the HIV epidemic to guide its public health programs. METHODS: ZAMPHIA 2021 was a cross-sectional two-stage cluster sample household survey among persons aged ≥15 years conducted in Zambia across all 10 provinces. Consenting participants were administered a standardized questionnaire and whole blood was tested for HIV according to national guidelines. HIV-1 viral load (VL), recent HIV infection, and antiretroviral medications were tested for in HIV-seropositive samples. Viral load suppression (VLS) was defined as <1000 copies/ml. ZAMPHIA 2021 results were compared to ZAMPHIA 2016 for persons aged 15-59 years (i.e., the overlapping age ranges). All estimates were weighted to account for nonresponse and survey design. RESULTS: During ZAMPHIA 2021, of 25 483 eligible persons aged ≥15 years, 18 804 (73.8%) were interviewed and tested for HIV. HIV prevalence was 11.0% and VLS prevalence was 86.2% overall, but was <80% among people living with HIV aged 15-24 years and in certain provinces. Among persons aged 15-59 years, from 2016 to 2021, HIV incidence declined from 0.6% to 0.3% ( P -value: 0.07) and VLS prevalence increased from 59.2% to 85.7% ( P -value: <0.01). DISCUSSION: Zambia has made substantial progress toward controlling the HIV epidemic from 2016 to 2021. Continued implementation of a test-and-treat strategy, with attention to groups with lower VLS in the ZAMPHIA 2021, could support reductions in HIV incidence and improve overall VLS in Zambia.

Progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in the Fifth Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS V 2021): a nationally representative survey.

BACKGROUND: In 2014, UNAIDS set a goal to end the AIDS epidemic by achieving targets for the percentage of people living with HIV who were aware of their status, on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and virally suppressed. In 2020, these targets were revised to 95% for each measure (known as 95-95-95), to be reached among people living with HIV by 2025. We used data from the Fifth Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS V) to measure progress towards these testing and treatment targets in Botswana. METHODS: BAIS V used a two-stage cluster design to obtain a nationally representative sample of people aged 15-64 years in Botswana. During March-August, 2021, 14 763 consenting participants were interviewed and tested for HIV in their households by survey teams. HIV-positive specimens were tested for viral load, presence of antiretroviral drugs, and recency of infection using the HIV-1 limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay. Estimates of HIV-positive status and use of ART were based on self-report and the analysis of blood specimens for antiretroviral drugs. Viral load suppression was defined as an HIV RNA concentration of less than 1000 copies per mL. HIV incidence was calculated using the recent infection testing algorithm. Data were weighted to account for the complex survey design. FINDINGS: The national HIV prevalence in Botswana among people aged 15-64 years was 20·8% and the annual incidence of HIV infection was 0·2%. 95·1% (men 93·0%, women 96·4%) of people living with HIV aged 15-64 years were aware of their status, 98·0% (men 97·2%, women 98·4%) of those aware were on ART, and 97·9% (men 96·6%, women 98·6%) of those on ART had viral load suppression. Among young people (aged 15-24 years) living with HIV, 84·5% were aware of their status, 98·5% of those aware were on ART, and 91·6% of those on ART had viral load suppression. The prevalance of viral load suppression among all people living with HIV was 91·8%, and varied by district-ranging from 85·3% in Gaborone to 100·0% in Selibe Phikwe. INTERPRETATION: BAIS V is the first population-based survey worldwide to report the achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, both overall and among women. Strategies to reach undiagnosed men and young people, including young women, are needed. FUNDING: US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Development of a value-based care and population health internship for student pharmacists.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacists assist in achieving desired outcomes and reducing costs of care within newer value-based payment models. The purpose of this article is to describe a summer internship for first- and second-year student pharmacists to gain exposure to value-based care. METHODS: University Health Network is a clinically integrated health network and accountable care organization in East Tennessee. Two student interns completed consecutive seven-week programs alongside clinical pharmacist specialists in the primary care settings of the network. Program requirements included direct patient care for chronic disease state management, topic discussions, formal writing assignments and presentations, and a quality improvement project. Student perception of internship activities was measured using a Likert type survey and free response questionnaire. RESULTS: Student interns responded positively to program requirements with feelings of enhanced preparedness for advanced pharmacy practice experiences and post-graduate residency positions. Additionally, interns perceived themselves as more competitive for post-graduate positions having completed the internship. CONCLUSIONS: As the US continues to move toward value-based payment models, student pharmacists must be well prepared to contribute to quality and population health initiatives. Student pharmacists benefit from an internship in a clinically integrated health network by gaining an improved understanding of the future of United States healthcare, an expanded clinical skillset, experience in demonstrating a pharmacist's value to the healthcare team, and the ability to overcome barriers to pharmacy services. A pharmacy internship within a clinically integrated health network may help prepare students to successfully contribute to value-based models of healthcare.