Same-day antiretroviral therapy is associated with increased loss to follow-up in South African public health facilities: a prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HIV.

Introduction: South Africa introduced Universal Test and Treat in 2016 including antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the same-day as HIV diagnosis. Our study sought to evaluate the impact of same-day ART initiation on loss to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality comparing with patients who initiated ART after their HIV diagnosis.

Methods: We conducted a file review of patients with a HIV diagnosis and ART start date on file between September 2016 and May 2018 in six high HIV burden districts.

HIV Positivity and Referral to Treatment Following Testing of Partners and Children of PLHIV Index Patients in Public Sector Facilities in South Africa.

Background: There is an imperative need for innovative interventions to identify people living with HIV and initiate them on antiretroviral therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of providing index partner/child testing of people living with HIV.

Methods: We trained 86 nurses and counsellors in 56 public health facilities in 6 high HIV burden Districts in South Africa 2017 to provide index partner/child testing (tracing and testing of partners/children of people living with HIV).