Publications by authors named "Samretta Caldwell"
Article Synopsis
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for HIV patients, significantly lowering health risks and transmission rates; however, retaining patients on ART remains difficult in low and middle-income countries despite increased accessibility.
- In a nationwide study in Liberia tracking patients aged 15 and older from HIV care facilities, 41.8% were lost to follow-up and 6.6% died within 24 months, indicating substantial challenges in patient retention and adherence.
- Factors influencing retention included WHO clinical stages, with higher risk of loss-to-follow-up for patients in advanced stages, while older age groups showed a decreased risk of dropping out of care.
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection continues to have a profound humanitarian and public health impact in western and central Africa, a region that risks being left behind in the global response to ending the AIDS epidemic. In Liberia, where the health system is being rebuilt following protracted civil wars and an Ebola virus disease outbreak, the Resilient and Responsive Health System (RRHS) is assisting with quality HIV services delivery through support from PEPFAR and HRSA but gaps remain across the cascade of care from diagnosis to viral load suppression.
Objective: To highlight gaps in HIV service delivery in Liberia, identify opportunities and offer recommendations for improving the quality of service delivery.