Reaching HIV epidemic control in Nigeria using a lower HIV viral load suppression cut-off

Abstract

Background: Virologic suppression has been defined using a HIV viral load of less than 1000 copies/ml. Low-level viremia (51–999 copies/ml) is associated with an increased risk of virologic failure and HIV drug resistance. Methods: Retrospective data from persons with HIV (PWH) who initiated ART between January 2016 and September 2022 in Nigeria were analyzed for virologic suppression at cut-off values less than 1000 copies/ml. Results: In 2022, virologic suppression at less than 1000 copies/ml was 95.7%. Using cut-off values of less than 400, less than 200 and less than 50 copies/ml, virologic suppression was 94.2%, 92.5%, and 87%, respectively. Discussion: Monitoring virologic suppression using lower cut-off values, alongside differentiated management of low-level viremia, may help Nigeria achieve HIV epidemic control targets.