Implementing a community-based HIV screening that serves basic science research and contributes to achieving public health goals
Author:
Abana Christopher Z-Y1, Kushitor Dennis K.1, Asigbee Theodore W.1, Parbie Prince K.2, Ishikawa Koichi2, Kiyono Hiroshi3, Mizutani Taketoshi3, Siaw Samuel4, Ofori Sampson B.4, Addo-Tetebo Gifty4, Ansong Maclean Richard D.4, Williams Marion4, Morton Samuel4, Danquah George4, Matano Tetsuro2, Ampofo William K.1, Bonney Evelyn Yayra1
Affiliation:
1. University of Ghana 2. National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) 3. The University of Tokyo 4. Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana Health Service, Koforidua, Ghana
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The 95-95-95 UNAIDS global strategy was adapted to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The target is based on the premise that early detection of HIV-infected persons and linking them to treatment regardless of their CD4 counts will lead to sustained viral suppression. HIV testing strategies to increase uptake of testing in Western and Central Africa remain inadequate. Hence, a high proportion of people living with HIV in this region do not know their status. This report describes the implementation of a community-based health screening (also known as “Know Your Status” -KYS), as part of basic science research, in a way that contributed to achieving public health goals. Methods: A community-based health screening was conducted in 7 communities within the Eastern region of Ghana between November 2017 to April 2018, to recruit and match HIV seronegative persons to HIV seropositive persons in a case-control HIV gut microbiota study. Health assessments included blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV testing for those who consented. HIV seronegative participants who consented were consecutively enrolled in an ongoing HIV gut microbiota case-control study. Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to analyze data. Results: Out of 738 people screened during the exercise, 700 consented to HIV testing and 23 (3%) were HIV positive. Hepatitis B virus infection was detected in 4% (33/738) and Syphilis in 2 % (17/738). Co-infection of HIV and HBV was detected in 4 persons. The HIV prevalence of 3% found in these communities is higher than both the national prevalence of 1.7% and the Eastern Regional prevalence of 2.7 in 2018. Conclusion: Community-based health screening, such as undertaken in our study could be critical for identifying infected persons from the community and linking them to care. This will greatly contribute to achieving the first two 95s and working towards ending AIDS by 2030.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference25 articles.
1. UNAIDS/WHO estimates, “Fact sheet - Latest global and regional statistics on the status of the AIDS epidemic,” 2020. Accessed: Dec. 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet 2. “2019 National HIV Estimates and Projections,” Ghana AIDS Commission, 2020. https://www.ghanaids.gov.gh/ (accessed Feb. 02, 2022). 3. National AIDS/STI Control Programme, “2019 HIV Sentinel Survey Report,” 2019. 4. “UNAIDS. World AIDS day; Commemorating 30 years, Dec 2018”, Accessed: Dec. 09, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/live-life-positively-know-your-hiv-status_en.pdf 5. J. S. Montaner et al., “The case for expanding access to highly active antiretroviral therapy to curb the growth of the HIV epidemic,” Lancet, vol. 368, no. 9534. Elsevier Limited, pp. 531–536, Aug. 05, 2006. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69162-9.
|
|