A Model for Accelerating Access to Care and Treatment for Children and Adolescents Living with HIV in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia: The Faith-Based Action for Scaling-Up Testing and Treatment for the Epidemic Response (FASTER) Initiative.

The number of children newly infected with HIV dropped by 50%, from 320 000 in 2010 to 160 000 in 2021. Despite progress, ongoing gaps persist in diagnosis, continuity of care, and treatment optimization. In response, the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief created the Faith-based Action for Scaling-Up Testing and Treatment for Epidemic Response (FASTER). Faith-based Action for Scaling-Up Testing and Treatment for Epidemic Response addressed gaps in countries with the highest unmet need by working with government to operationalize innovative interventions and ensure alignment with national priorities and with communities living with HIV to ensure the change was community-led. Between 2019 and 2021, FASTER's interventions were incorporated into national policies, absorbed by Ministries of Health, and taken up in subsequent awards and country operating plans. Continued effort is needed to sustain gains made during the FASTER initiative and to continue scaling evidence-based interventions to ensure that children and adolescents are not left behind in the global HIV response.

Implementation and Uptake of Raltegravir Granules in Newborns Diagnosed With HIV Through Birth Testing in Maternity Settings in Zimbabwe During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Zimbabwe introduced raltegravir (RAL) granules at 14 facilities providing point-of-care HIV birth testing, aiming to initiate all newborns with HIV on a RAL-based regimen. From June 2020 to July 2021, we tested 3172 of the 6989 (45%) newborns exposed to HIV; we diagnosed 59(2%) with HIV infection, of whom 27 (46%) initiated RAL. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease pandemic exacerbated supply chain and trained provider shortages, contributing to low birth testing, RAL uptake and 6-month viral load testing.

HIV Viral Load Scale-up Among Children and Adolescents: Trends in Viral Load Suppression, Sample Type and Processing in 7 PEPFAR Countries, 2015-2018.

HIV-positive children and adolescents face gaps in viral load (VL) testing. To understand trends in pediatric/adolescent VL testing, 7 countries collected data from Laboratory Information Management Systems. Results showed increasing proportion of VL tests done through dried blood spot (DBS) and decreased sample rejection rates for DBS compared with plasma, supporting use of DBS VL when skilled phlebotomy is unavailable.

Retention and Predictors of Attrition Among HIV-infected Children on Antiretroviral Therapy in Côte d'Ivoire Between 2012 and 2016.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 21,000 children 0-14 years of age were living with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire in 2020, of whom only 49% have been diagnosed and are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Retention in HIV care and treatment is key to optimize clinical outcomes. We evaluated pediatric retention in select care and treatment centers (CTCs) in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records using 2-stage cluster sampling for children under 15 years initiated on ART between 2012 and 2016. Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analysis was done to estimate cumulative attrition rates per total person-years of observation. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify factors associated with attrition. RESULTS: A total of 1198 patient records from 33 CTCs were reviewed. Retention at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after ART initiation was 91%, 84%, 74%, 72% and 70%, respectively. A total of 309 attrition events occurred over 3169 person-years of follow-up [266 children were lost to follow-up (LTFU), 29 transferred to another facility and 14 died]. LTFU determinants included attending a "public-private" CTC [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 6.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.23-8.65], receiving care at a CTC without an on-site laboratory (aHR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.70-9.46) or attending a CTC without an electronic medical record (EMR) system (aHR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.59-3.12). CONCLUSIONS: In Cote d'Ivoire, patients attending a CTC that is public-private, does not have on-site laboratory or EMR system were likely to be LTFU. Decentralization of laboratory services and scaling use of EMR systems could help to improve pediatric retention.

The Status of Adolescent Testing and Treatment in PEPFAR-Supported Programs, October 2017 to September 2020.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents have poorer outcomes across the HIV cascade compared with adults. We aimed to assess progress in HIV case finding, antiretroviral treatment (ART), viral load coverage (VLC), and viral load suppression (VLS) among adolescents enrolled in the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported programs over a 3-year period that included the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We analyzed PEPFAR program data in 28 countries/regions for adolescents aged 10-19 years between year 1 (October 2017to September 2018), year 2 (October 2018 to September 2019), and year 3 (October 2019 to September 2020). We calculated the number and percent change for HIV tests, HIV-positive tests, and total number on ART. Calculated indicators included positivity, percent of positives newly initiated on ART (ART linkage), VLC (percent of ART patients on ART for ≥6 months with a documented viral load result within the past 12 months), and VLS (percent of viral load tests with <1000 copies/mL). RESULTS: Between years 1 and 3, the number of HIV tests conducted decreased by 44.2%, with a 29.1% decrease in the number of positive tests. Positivity increased from 1.3%-1.6%. The number of adolescents receiving ART increased by 10.4%. In addition, ART linkage increased (77.8%-86.7%) as did VLC (69.4%-79.4%) and VLS (72.8%-81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate PEPFAR's success in increasing the adolescent treatment cohort. We identified ongoing gaps in adolescent case finding, linkage, VLC, and VLS that could be addressed with a strategic mix of testing strategies, optimal ART regimens, and adolescent-focused service delivery models.

Considerations to Improve Pediatric HIV Testing and Close the Treatment Gap in 16 African Countries.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, South Sudan and Côte d'Ivoire accounted for 80% of children living with HIV (CLHIV) not receiving HIV treatment. This manuscript describes pediatric HIV testing to inform case-finding strategies. METHODS: We analyzed US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief monitoring, evaluation, and reporting data (October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019) for these 16 countries. Number of HIV tests and positive results were reported by age band, country, treatment coverage and testing modality. The number needed to test (NNT) to identify 1 new CLHIV 1-14 years was measured by testing modality and country. The pediatric testing gap was estimated by multiplying the estimated number of CLHIV unaware of their status by NNT per country. RESULTS: Among children, 6,961,225 HIV tests were conducted, and 101,762 CLHIV were identified (NNT 68), meeting 17.6% of the pediatric testing need. Index testing accounted for 13.0% of HIV tests (29.7% of positive results, NNT 30), provider-initiated testing and counseling 65.9% of tests (43.6% of positives, NNT 103), and universal testing at sick entry points 5.3% of tests (6.5% of positives, NNT 58). CONCLUSIONS: As countries near HIV epidemic control for adults, the need to increase pediatric testing continues. Each testing modality - PITC, universal testing at sick entry points, and index testing - offers unique benefits. These results illustrate the comparative advantages of including a strategic mix of testing modalities in national programs to increase pediatric HIV case finding.

Tuberculosis prevalence, incidence and prevention in a south african cohort of children living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: We describe tuberculosis (TB) disease among antiretroviral treatment (ART) eligible children living with HIV (CLHIV) in South Africa to highlight TB prevention opportunities. METHODS: In our secondary analysis among 0- to 12-year-old ART-eligible CLHIV in five Eastern Cape Province health facilities from 2012 to 2015, prevalent TB occurred 90 days before or after enrollment; incident TB occurred >90 days after enrollment. Characteristics associated with TB were assessed using logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Of 397 enrolled children, 114 (28.7%) had prevalent TB. Higher-income proxy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-2.6] for the highest, 1.6 (95% CI 1.6-1.7) for intermediate]; CD4+ cell count <350 cells/µl [aOR 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.2)]; and malnutrition [aOR 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.6)] were associated with prevalent TB. Incident TB was 5.2 per 100 person-years and was associated with delayed ART initiation [hazard ratio (HR) 4.7 (95% CI 2.3-9.4)], malnutrition [HR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-2.7)] and absence of cotrimoxazole [HR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0-4.9)]. Among 362 children with data, 8.6% received TB preventive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Among these CLHIV, prevalent and incident TB were common. Early ART, cotrimoxazole and addressing malnutrition may prevent TB in these children.

BACKGROUND: We describe tuberculosis (TB) in children living with HIV (CLHIV) eligible for HIV treatment in South Africa to highlight opportunities to prevent TB. METHODS: We analyzed additional data from our original study of CLHIV who were 0­12 years old and due to start HIV treatment in five health facilities in Eastern Cape Province from 2012 to 2015 and assessed characteristics associated with existing and new TB. RESULTS: Of 397 enrolled children, 114 (28.7%) had existing TB. Children with a higher measure of household income had higher odds of existing TB. CD4+ cell count <350 cells/µl and malnutrition were also associated with existing TB. There were 5.2 new cases of TB for every 100 child-years. New TB was 4.7 times more likely for children with delayed HIV treatment start, 1.8 times more likely for children with malnutrition and 2.3 times more likely for children who did not get cotrimoxazole. Among 362 children with data, 8.6% received treatment to prevent TB. CONCLUSIONS: Among these CLHIV, existing and new TB were common. Early HIV treatment, cotrimoxazole and addressing malnutrition may prevent TB in these children.

Optimising neonatal antiretroviral therapy using raltegravir: a qualitative analysis of healthcare workers' and caregivers' perspectives.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, Zimbabwe adopted the WHO's recommendation to use raltegravir (RAL) granule-based regimens for treatment of neonates identified with HIV at the time of birth testing. This study explores the acceptability of RAL granules by caregivers and healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers and 12 HCWs from 8 health facilities in Zimbabwe participating in the introductory pilot of RAL granules treatment for newborns. Eligible caregivers included those who had administered RAL to their infant and attended either 8th or 28th day of life appointments. Caregivers of neonates recently initiated on RAL were selected through convenience sampling. Eligible HCWs who provided RAL preparation, administration instructions and support to caregivers of neonates on RAL for at least 3 months were recruited from the same facilities as the caregivers. Interview transcripts were coded and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Caregivers reported that their babies looked healthier after RAL initiation, with improved skin appearance and weight gain. Some caregivers wanted their child to remain on RAL beyond 28 days instead of switching regimens, as recommended by national guidelines. HCWs observed that RAL granules improved health outcomes compared with other regimens. HCWs reported challenges with caregivers understanding dosing instructions, measuring with a syringe, swirling and not shaking the medicine, discarding unused medication and following the changes in the dosing schedule and amount when RAL was initiated a few days after birth. HCWs stated that adequate counselling and repeat demonstrations were crucial to ensure that caregivers clearly understood RAL dosing and administration instructions. HCWs requested more standardised training targeting nurses with guidance on handling missed doses and clarification on mixing RAL granules with water and not breastmilk. CONCLUSION: While feedback from caregivers and HCWs on RAL implementation was positive, barriers were also noted. Adequate training and sufficient instruction and support for caregivers would help to ensure that RAL granules are prepared, dosed and administered correctly.

Outcomes of HIV Positive Children and Adolescents Initiated on Antiretroviral Treatment in Nigeria (2007-2016).

Background: This manuscript aimed to examine treatment outcomes of HIV-positive children and adolescents. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of a sample of patients aged 0-19 years who initiated ART (October 2007-September 2016) in participating sites in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. Results: Among 4006 patients alive at the end of the follow up period, 138 (3.4%) were LTFU. Adolescents had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU than children aged 3-5 years (HR 2.47 [95% CI 1.40-4.34]). Patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU (Stage IV HR, 3.66 [95% CI: 2.00-6.68]). On average, optimal ART refill adherence was met by 67.3% of patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that focusing on preventing and managing advanced disease and interventions supporting adolescents when transferring to adult care is warranted.

Developing and Validating an Effective Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Testing Eligibility Screening Tool for High-Volume Entry Points in Uganda.

INTRODUCTION: Because of low pediatric HIV prevalence, more tests are needed to find 1 HIV-positive child compared with adults. In Uganda, the number needed to test (NNT) to find 1 new HIV-positive child was 64 in outpatient departments (OPDs) and 31 through index testing. We aimed to develop and validate a pediatric (1.5-14 years) screening tool to optimize testing approaches. METHODS: Phase 1 evaluated the performance of 10 screening questions in 14 OPDs using a variable selection algorithm to evaluate combinations of screening questions. Using logistic regression, we identified the number of screening questions with the best predictive accuracy using the receiver operation characteristic curve. Phase 2 validated the proposed tool in 15 OPDs and 7 orphan and vulnerable children programs. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, and NNT accounting for intercluster correlations. RESULTS: A total of 3482 children were enrolled. The optimal model included reported HIV-positive maternal status or 2/5 symptoms (sickly in the last 3 months, recurring skin problems, weight loss, not growing well, and history of tuberculosis). The proposed tool had sensitivity of 83.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68.1 to 92.4] and specificity of 62.5% (95% CI: 55.0 to 69.4). The tool was validated in a sample of 11,342 children; sensitivity was 87.8% (95% CI: 80.9 to 92.5) and specificity 62.6% (95% CI: 54.8 to 69.7) across OPDs and community sites. In OPDs, sensitivity was 88.1% (95% CI: 80.8 to 92.8) and specificity 69.0% (95% CI: 61.9 to 75.3). The NNT was 43 (95% CI: 28 to 67) across settings and 28 (95% CI: 20 to 38) for OPD. CONCLUSIONS: This HIV screening tool has high sensitivity and reasonable specificity, increasing testing efficiency and yield for children and adolescents.

Growth and Metabolic Changes After Antiretroviral Initiation in South African Children.

BACKGROUND: Poor growth and metabolic disturbances remain concerns for children living with HIV (CLHIV). We describe the impact of viral load (VL) on growth and lipid outcomes in South African CLHIV <12 years initiating World Health Organization recommended first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2012 to 2015. METHODS: Z scores for length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) and body mass index-for-age were calculated. Lipids (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein) were measured. Hemoglobin A1C ≥5.8 was defined as at risk for type 2 diabetes. Mixed effects models were used to assess the association of VL at ART initiation with Z scores and lipids over time. RESULTS: Of 241 CLHIV, 151 (63%) were <3 years initiating LPV/r-based ART and 90 (37%) were ≥3 years initiating EFV-based ART. Among CLHIV <3 years, higher VL at ART initiation was associated with lower mean LAZ (ß: -0.30, P=0.03), WAZ (ß: -0.32, P=0.01) and low-density lipoprotein (ß: -6.45, P=0.03) over time. Among CLHIV ≥3, a log 10 increase in pretreatment VL was associated with lower mean LAZ (ß: -0.29, P=0.07) trending towards significance and lower WAZ (ß: -0.32, P=0.05) as well as with more rapid increases in LAZ (ß: 0.14 per year, P=0.01) and WAZ (ß: 0.19 per year, P=0.04). Thirty percent of CLHIV were at risk for type 2 diabetes at ART initiation. CONCLUSIONS: CLHIV initiating ART <3 years exhibited positive gains in growth and lipids, though high viremia at ART initiation was associated with persistently low growth and lipids, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and rapid treatment initiation. Future studies assessing the long-term cardiometabolic impact of these findings are warranted.

Drug Resistance Mutations Among South African Children Living With HIV on WHO-recommended ART Regimens.

BACKGROUND: Children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (CLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings are susceptible to high rates of acquired HIV drug resistance (HIVDR), but few studies include children initiating age-appropriate World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended first-line regimens. We report data from a cohort of ART-naive South African children who initiated first-line ART. METHODS: ART-eligible CLHIV aged 0-12 years were enrolled from 2012 to 2014 at 5 public South African facilities and were followed for up to 24 months. Enrolled CLHIV received standard-of-care WHO-recommended first-line ART. At the final study visit, a dried blood spot sample was obtained for viral load and genotypic resistance testing. RESULTS: Among 72 successfully genotyped CLHIV, 49 (68.1%) received ABC/3TC/LPV/r, and 23 (31.9%) received ABC/3TC/EFV. All but 2 children on ABC/3TC/LPV/r were <3 years, and all CLHIV on ABC/3TC/EFV were ≥3 years. Overall, 80.6% (58/72) had at least one drug resistance mutation (DRM). DRMs to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) were found among 65% and 51% of all CLHIV, respectively, with no statistical difference by ART regimen. More CLHIV on ABC/3TC/EFV, 47.8% (11/23), were found to have 0 or only 1 effective antiretroviral drug remaining in their current regimen compared to 8.2% (4/49) on ABC/3TC/LPV/r. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of NNRTI and NRTI DRMs among CLHIV receiving ABC/3TC/LPV/r suggests a lasting impact of failed mother-to-child transmission interventions on DRMs. However, drug susceptibility analysis reveals that CLHIV with detectable viremia on ABC/3TC/LPV/r are more likely to have maintained at least 2 effective agents on their current HIV regimen than those on ABC/3TC/EFV.

HIV-exposed uninfected infant morbidity and mortality within a nationally representative prospective cohort of mother-infant pairs in Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE: To examine morbidity and mortality risk among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of HEU infants in a prospective cohort study of mother-infant pairs. METHODS: Infants were recruited from immunization clinics (n = 151) in Zimbabwe from February to August 2013, enrolled at 4-12 weeks age, and followed every 3 months until incident HIV-infection, death, or 18-month follow-up. We estimated cumulative mortality probability and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression, respectively. We also described reported reasons for infant hospitalization and symptoms preceding death. Median weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) and median age were calculated and analyzed across study visits. RESULTS: Of 1188 HIV-exposed infants, 73 (6.1%) contracted HIV; we analyzed the remaining 1115 HEU infants. In total, 54 (4.8%) infants died, with median time to death of 5.5 months since birth (interquartile range: 3.6-9.8 months). Diarrhea, difficulty breathing, not eating, fever, and cough were commonly reported (range: 7.4-22.2%) as symptoms preceding infant death. Low birth weight was associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 2.66, CI: 1.35-5.25), whereas maternal antiretroviral therapy predelivery (adjusted hazard ratio 0.34, CI: 0.18-0.64) and exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted hazard ratio 0.50, CI: 0.28-0.91) were associated with lower mortality. Overall, 9.6% of infants were hospitalized. Infant median WAZ declined after 3 months of age, reaching a minimum at 14.5 months of age, at which 50% of infants were underweight (WAZ below -2.0). CONCLUSION: Clinical interventions including maternal antiretroviral therapy; breastfeeding and infant feeding counseling and support; and early prevention, identification, and management of childhood illness; are needed to reduce HEU infant morbidity and mortality.

Increasing pediatric HIV testing positivity rates through focused testing in high-yield points of service in health facilities-Nigeria, 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, UNAIDS estimated that 140,000 children aged 0-14 years are living with HIV in Nigeria, but only 35% have been diagnosed and are receiving antiretroviral therapy. Children are tested primarily in outpatient clinics, which show low HIV-positive rates. To demonstrate efficient facility-based HIV testing among children aged 0-14 years, we evaluated pediatric HIV-positivity rates in points of service in select health facilities in Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of HIV testing and case identification among children aged 0-14 years at all points of service at nine purposively sampled hospitals (November 2016-March 2017). Points of service included family index testing, pediatric outpatient department (POPD), tuberculosis (TB) clinics, immunization clinics, and pediatric inpatient ward. Eligibility for testing at POPD was done using a screening tool while all children with unknown status were eligible for HIV test at other points of service. The main outcome was HIV positivity rates stratified by the testing point of service and by age group. Predictors of an HIV-positive result were assessed using logistic regression. All analyses were done using Stata 15 statistical software. RESULTS: Of 2,180 children seen at all facility points of service with unknown HIV status, 1,822 (83.6%) were tested for HIV, of whom 43 (2.4%) tested HIV positive. The numbers of children tested by age group were <1 years = 230 (12.6%); 1-4 years = 752 (41.3%); 5-9 years = 520 (28.5%); and 10-14 years = 320 (17.6%). The number of children tested by point of service were POPD = 906 (49.7%); family index testing = 693 (38.0%); pediatric inpatient ward = 192 (10.5%); immunization clinic = 16 (0.9%); and TB clinic = 15 (0.8%). HIV positivity rates by point of service were TB clinic = 6.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.9-35.2%); pediatric inpatient ward = 4.7% (95%CI: 2.5-8.8%); family index testing = 3.5% (95%CI: 2.3-5.1%); POPD = 1.0% (95%CI: 0.5-1.9%); and immunization clinic = 0%. The percentage contribution to total HIV positive children found by point of services was: family index testing = 55.8% (95%CI: 40.9-69.8%); POPD = 20.9% (95%CI: 11.3-35.6%); inpatient ward = 20.9 (95%CI: 11.3-35.6%) and TB Clinic = 2.3% (95%CI: 0.3-14.8%). Compared with the POPD, the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for finding an HIV positive child by point of service were TB clinic = 7.2 (95% CI: 0.9-60.9); pediatric inpatient ward = 4.9 (95% CI: 1.9-12.8); and family index testing = 3.7 (95% CI: 1.5-8.8). HIV-positivity rates did not significantly differ by age group. CONCLUSION: In Nigeria, to improve facility-based HIV positivity rates among children aged 0-14 years, an increased focus on HIV testing among children seeking care in pediatric inpatient wards, through family index testing, and perhaps TB clinics is appropriate.

Birth Testing for Infant HIV Diagnosis in Eswatini: Implementation Experience and Uptake Among Women Living With HIV in Manzini Region.

INTRODUCTION: HIV testing at birth of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) may improve the identification of infants infected with HIV in utero and accelerate antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation. METHODS: ICAP at Columbia University supported implementation of a national pilot of HIV testing at birth (0-7 days) in Eswatini at 2 maternity facilities. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples from neonates of women living with HIV (WLHIV) were collected and processed at the National Molecular Reference Laboratory using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mothers received birth test results at community health clinics. We report data on HIV birth testing uptake and outcomes for HIV-positive infants from the initial intensive phase (October 2017-March 2018) and routine support phase (April-December 2018). RESULTS: During the initial intensive pilot phase, 1669 WLHIV delivered 1697 live-born HEI at 2 health facilities and 1480 (90.3%) HEI received birth testing. During the routine support phase, 2546 WLHIV delivered and 2277 (93.5%) HEI received birth testing. Overall October 2017-December 2018, 22 (0.6%) infants of 3757 receiving birth testing had a positive PCR test, 15 (68.2%) of whom were successfully traced and linked for confirmatory testing (2 infants were reported by caregivers to have negative follow-up HIV tests). Median time from birth test to receipt of results by the caregiver was 13 days (range: 8-23). Twelve (60.0%) of 20 infants confirmed to be HIV-positive started ART at median age of 17.5 days (12-43). One mother of an HIV-positive infant who was successfully traced refused ART following linkage to care and another child died after ART initiation. Three infants (15.0%) had died by the time their mothers were reached and 4 (15.0%) infants were never located. CONCLUSION: This pilot of universal birth testing in Eswatini demonstrates the feasibility of using a standard of care approach in a low resource and high burden setting. We document high uptake of testing for newborns among HIV-positive mothers and very few infants were found to be infected through birth testing.

Delays in fast track antiretroviral therapy initiation and reasons for not starting treatment among eligible children in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

: We report data from an observational cohort of South African children living with HIV less than 12 years of age eligible for fast track antiretroviral therapy (rapid) initiation. We found that less than half of children eligible for rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation based on immunologic and disease status started treatment within 1 week.

Better Outcomes Among HIV-Infected Rwandan Children 18-60 Months of Age After the Implementation of "Treat All".

BACKGROUND: In 2012, Rwanda introduced a Treat All approach for HIV-infected children younger than 5 years. We compared antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, outcomes, and retention, before and after this change. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of children enrolled into care between June 2009 and December 2011 [Before Treat All (BTA) cohort] and between July 2012 and April 2015 [Treat All (TA) cohort]. SETTING: Medical records of a nationally representative sample were abstracted for all eligible aged 18-60 months from 100 Rwandan public health facilities. RESULTS: We abstracted 374 medical records: 227 in the BTA and 147 in the TA cohorts. Mean (SD) age at enrollment was [3 years (1.1)]. Among BTA, 59% initiated ART within 1 year, vs. 89% in the TA cohort. Median time to ART initiation was 68 days (interquartile range 14-494) for BTA and 9 days (interquartile range 0-28) for TA (P < 0.0001), with 9 (5%) undergoing same-day initiation in BTA compared with 50 (37%) in TA (P < 0.0001). Before ART initiation, 59% in the BTA reported at least one health condition compared with 35% in the TA cohort (P < 0.0001). Although overall loss to follow-up was similar between cohorts (BTA: 13%, TA: 8%, P = 0.18), loss to follow-up before ART was significantly higher in the BTA (8%) compared with the TA cohort (2%) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 90% of Rwandan children started on ART within 1 year of enrollment, most within 1 month, with greater than 90% retention after implementation of TA. TA was also associated with fewer morbidities.

HIV viral suppression and longevity among a cohort of children initiating antiretroviral therapy in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data on viral suppression (VS) in children with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in routine care in low-resource settings. We examined VS in a cohort of children initiating ART in routine HIV care in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: The Pediatric Enhanced Surveillance Study enrolled HIV-infected ART eligibility children zero to twelve years at five health facilities from 2012 to 2014. All children received routine HIV care and treatment services and attended quarterly study visits for up to 24 months. Time to VS among those starting treatment was measured from ART start date to first viral load (VL) result <1000 and VL <50 copies/mL using competing risk estimators (death as competing risk). Multivariable sub-distributional hazards models examined characteristics associated with VS and VL rebound following suppression among those with a VL >30 days after the VS date. RESULTS: Of 397 children enrolled, 349 (87.9%) started ART: 118 (33.8%) children age <12 months, 122 (35.0%) one to five years and 109 (31.2%) six to twelve years. At study enrolment, median weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) was -1.7 (interquartile range (IQR):-3.1 to -0.4) and median log VL was 5.6 (IQR: 5.0 to 6.2). Cumulative incidence of VS <1000 copies/mL at six, twelve and twenty-four months was 57.6% (95% CI 52.1 to 62.7), 78.7% (95% CI 73.7 to 82.9) and 84.0% (95% CI 78.9 to 87.9); for VS <50 copies/mL: 40.3% (95% CI 35.0 to 45.5), 63.9% (95% CI 58.2 to 69.0) and 72.9% (95% CI 66.9 to 78.0). At 12 months only 46.6% (95% CI 36.6 to 56.0) of children <12 months had achieved VS <50 copies/mL compared to 76.9% (95% CI 67.9 to 83.7) of children six to twelve years (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, children with VL >1 million copies/mL at ART initiation were half as likely to achieve VS <50 copies/mL (adjusted sub-distributional hazards 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). Among children achieving VS <50 copies/mL, 37 (19.7%) had VL 50 to 1000 copies/mL and 31 (16.5%) had a VL >1000 copies/mL. Children <12 months had twofold increased risk of VL rebound to VL >1000 copies/mL (adjusted relative risk 2.03, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.74) compared with six to twelve year olds. CONCLUSIONS: We found suboptimal VS among South African children initiating treatment and high proportions experiencing VL rebound, particularly among younger children. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that all children achieve optimal outcomes.

Strategies for Identifying and Linking HIV-Infected Infants, Children, and Adolescents to HIV Treatment Services in Resource Limited Settings.

Many children living with HIV in resource-limited settings remain undiagnosed and at risk for HIV-related mortality and morbidity. This article describes 5 key strategies for strengthening HIV case finding and linkage to treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. These strategies result from lessons learned during the Accelerating Children's HIV/AIDS Treatment Initiative, a public-private partnership between the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF). The 5 strategies include (1) implementing a targeted mix of HIV case finding approaches (eg, provider-initiated testing and counseling within health facilities, optimization of early infant diagnosis, index family testing, and integration of HIV testing within key population and orphan and vulnerable children programs); (2) addressing the unique needs of adolescents; (3) collecting and using data for program improvement; (4) fostering a supportive political and community environment; and (5) investing in health system-strengthening activities. Continued advocacy and global investments are required to eliminate AIDS-related deaths among children and adolescents.

Trends in Antiretroviral Therapy Eligibility and Coverage Among Children Aged <15 Years with HIV Infection - 20 PEPFAR-Supported Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2012-2016.

Rapid disease progression and associated opportunistic infections contribute to high mortality rates among children aged <15 years with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (1). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has decreased childhood HIV-associated morbidity and mortality rates over the past decade (2). As accumulating evidence revealed lower HIV-associated mortality with early ART initiation, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines broadened ART eligibility for children with HIV infection (2). Age at ART initiation for children with HIV infection expanded sequentially in the 2010, 2013, and 2016 WHO guidelines to include children aged <2, <5, and <15 years, respectively, regardless of clinical or immunologic status (3-5). The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has supported ART for children with HIV infection since 2003 and, informed by the WHO guidelines and a growing evidence base, PEPFAR-supported countries have adjusted their national pediatric guidelines. To understand the lag between guideline development and implementation, as well as the ART coverage gap, CDC assessed national pediatric HIV guidelines and analyzed Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; UNAIDS) data on children aged <15 years with HIV infection and the numbers of these children on ART. Timeliness of WHO pediatric ART guideline adoption varied by country; >50% of children with HIV infection are not receiving ART, underscoring the importance of strengthening case finding and linkage to HIV treatment in pediatric ART programs.