Research news in clinical context

Advanced HIV disease (AHD)-defined by a CD4 count <200 cells/mm 3 -is associated with poor health outcomes.This study used household surveys from 13 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to estimate the proportion of all people with AHD in the region.Among 28 040 surveyed people with HIV (65% female, median age 38, 53% resident in rural areas), AHD was found in nearly 10% (n=2261).AHD was associated with male sex and older age but not with rural versus urban location or economic status.Based on HIV prevalence data, nearly 2 million people were estimated to have AHD in Sub-Saharan Africa.The findings highlight the continued need for comprehensive HIV care alongside antiretroviral therapy provision in the region.