Clinical outcomes in the era of test and treat among children living with HIV: a retrospective before/after study in Zambia
Retention was significantly higher among children enrolled in the test-and-treat (ATT) cohort and those on a DTG-based regimen. In contrast, female sex, longer time to ART initiation after HIV diagnosis, and advanced WHO clinical stages were associated with lower odds of retention. However, retention improved as well as clinical outcomes in ATT compared to BTT after 24 months. This study underscores the importance of initiating ART immediately after diagnosis of HIV to enhance retention in HIV care and treatment. Therefore, improving ART retention by enhancing interventions in resource-limited settings can be highly beneficial.
Authors
- Sepiso K. Masenga (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4376-5831)
- Benson M. Hamooya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1385-0998)
- Brian Muyunda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2585-8276)
- Morgan Sakala
- Nzali Kancheya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5824-5428)
- Kingsley Kamvuma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7311-5122)
- Keith Mweebo
- Isaac Fwemba (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9179-0946)
- Salazeh Kunda
- Chilala Cheelo
- Callistus Kaayunga
- Simon Mutembo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5389-5966)
- Shem Kabesha
- Matenge Mutalange (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6687-3051)
- Lukundo Siame (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4810-7352)
- Clive Banda
- Johanzi Mvula
- Derrick Sikaulu
Institutions
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (ZM)
- Johns Hopkins University (US)
- Mulungushi University (ZM)
- University of Zambia (ZM)
- Ministry of Health (RW)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Pediatrics
- Published
- 2025-10-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1480705
- Primary Topic
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00