Influence of the SARS-COV2 pandemic on access to healthcare services among people living with HIV and its subsequent effects on antiretroviral therapy uptake in Malawi.

The global disruption caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic profoundly affected healthcare systems, particularly impacting People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). This study investigated the repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection on access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and antiretroviral therapy (ARV) in Malawi, emphasizing the critical need to sustain uninterrupted HIV services during health crises. Employing mobile phone-based syndromic surveillance, this study assessed the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on healthcare access for PLHIV across nine districts supported by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF).

Unlocking the potential: exploring the impact of dolutegravir treatment on body mass index improvement in underweight adults with HIV in Malawi.

Background: The introduction of dolutegravir (DTG) in treating HIV has shown enhanced efficacy and tolerability. This study examined changes in weight gain and body mass index (BMI) at 6- and 12-months after post-initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), comparing people living with HIV (PLHIV) on DTG-based regimens with those on non-DTG-based regimens in Malawi.

Methods: Retrospective cohort data from 40 public health facilities in Malawi were used, including adult ART patients (aged ≥ 15 years) from January 2017 to March 2020.

Enhancing SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Malawi using telephone syndromic surveillance from July 2020 to April 2022.

Introduction: Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in low-resource countries such as Malawi requires cost-effective surveillance strategies. This study explored the potential utility of phone-based syndromic surveillance in terms of its reach, monitoring trends in reported SARS-CoV-2-like/influenza-like symptoms (CLS/ILS), SARS-CoV-2 testing and mortality.

Methods: Mobile phone-based interviews were conducted between 1 July 2020 and 30 April 2022, using a structured questionnaire.

Understanding gender differences of people with HIV newly diagnosed or returning to care with advanced HIV disease in Malawi: a qualitative study.

Background: Despite tremendous progress in improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) access, advanced HIV disease (AHD) still remains a challenge globally. Reasons for delayed presentation to care and ART adherence may be affected by gender. We present qualitative study findings on gender differences in decisions for HIV testing and ART initiation/adherence in adults with AHD in Malawi.