Sphindile Magwaza
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Title: HIV Treatment Uptake Among Females Over Age 50 In 20 Priority Facilities: Equip Ghana Results
Biography
Biography: Sphindile Magwaza
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: To determine HIV treatment uptake and status among females 50 years and older in 20 priority facilities in Ghana, as global studies report that this group has less access to quality HIV services . Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Cross sectional study, of all HIV patient files were audited between May 2017-January 2018, to determine the number and characteristics of clients currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the number of clients loss to follow up (LTFU) or in need of ART initiation (Pre-ART). Findings: The audit highlights the need for targeted HIV testing with strong linkage to treatment as only 7% of women were newly initiated on HIV treatment since Treat all policy implementation. The average time to enroll clients new on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 3.2 days post HIV positive diagnosis showing good linkage to care. However, of those new on ART, 13% were LFTU, since the launch of Treat All policy in October 2016. Viral load monitoring and scale up need to be strengthened as only 10% of files reviewed documented VL monitoring in this age group, even though 55% had VL results showing HIV virus suppression (< 1000 copies/ml).