Point-of-care CD4 testing: Differentiated care for the most vulnerable.

Background: South Africa, with the highest burden of HIV infection globally, has made huge strides in its HIV/ART programme, but AIDS deaths have not decreased proportionally to ART uptake. Advanced HIV disease (CD4 < 200 cells/mm) persists, and CD4 count testing is being overlooked since universal test-and-treat was implemented. Point-of-care CD4 testing could address this gap and assure differentiated care to these vulnerable patients with low CD4 counts.

Assessment of the Impact of Rapid Point-of-Care CD4 Testing in Primary Healthcare Clinic Settings: A Survey Study of Client and Provider Perspectives.

Background: The high burden of disease in South Africa presents challenges to public health services. Point-of-care (POC) technologies have the potential to address these gaps and improve healthcare systems. This study ascertained the acceptability and impact of POC CD4 testing on patients' health and clinical management.

Evaluation of a health system intervention to improve virological management in an antiretroviral programme at a municipal clinic in central Durban.

Background: With the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme globally, demand for effective HIV management is increasing in South Africa. While viral load (VL) testing is conducted, VL follow-up and management are sub-optimal.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to address gaps in the VL cascade to improve VL testing and management.