Using a file audit to evaluate retention in care and patient outcomes in a programme to decentralise antiretroviral treatment to primary health care facilities in a high prevalence setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

HIV care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) provision is largely hospital-based with an over-reliance on doctors. Existing ART sites are reaching capacity and are increasingly unable to initiate new patients and also see follow up patients. In response, the Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit (RHRU), has supported the KwaZulu-Natal provincial Department of Health with developing a model to decentralise services to primary health care (PHC) level.