HIV care programs
AS many as 690 individuals living with human immunodeƝciency viruses (HIV) are in retained care programs, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
This Ɲgure, HIV advocate Temo Sasau said, excluded cases of loss to follow-up, deaths, and migration.
“Despite challenges in maintaining consistent care, this number represents a signiƝcant achievement in HIV management efforts,” he said.
Of those retained in care, Mr Sasau said, as according to the data released by the ministry, an encouraging 84 per cent were currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
“However, it’s worth noting that the number of individuals on ART has not seen a signiƝcant increase compared with the previous year,” he said.
“This stagnation can be attributed to factors such as cases not linked to care and unfortunate deaths.”
Among those on ART, he said according to the data released by the ministry, there was a notable improvement in viral suppression rates, with 39 per cent achieving viral suppression.
“This indicates that the treatment is effectively suppressing the virus, reducing the risk of transmission and improving overall health outcomes,” he said.
Out of a total of 337 tests conducted, 227 individuals have achieved viral suppression, accounting for 67 per cent of those tested, according to the data released by the ministry
“This highlights the effectiveness of treatment and the importance of regular monitoring to ensure positive health outcomes for HIV patients,” he said.
He said those statistics reƞected progress in ensuring that individuals living with HIV received the necessary care and support to lead healthy and fulƝlling lives.
Ongoing efforts, he said, were essential to continue improving retention rates and viral suppression outcomes.