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Overcoming Barriers to HIV Care: Findings from a Peer-Delivered, Community-Based, Linkage Case Management Program (CommLink), Eswatini, 2015–2018
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5 2021
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Source: AIDS Behav. 25(5):1518-1531
[PDF-358.91 KB]
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Alternative Title:AIDS Behav
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Description:To help persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in Eswatini initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART), the CommLink case-management program provided a comprehensive package of linkage services delivered by HIV-positive, peer counselors. Of 1250 PLHIV participants aged ≥ 15 years diagnosed in community settings, 75% reported one or more barriers to care (e.g., fearing stigmatization). Peer counselors helped resolve 1405 (65%) of 2166 identified barriers. During Test and Treat (October 2016-September 2018), the percentage of participants who initiated ART and returned for ≥ 1 antiretroviral refills was 92% overall (759/824); 99% (155/156) among participants without any identified barriers; 96% (544/564) among participants whose counselors helped resolve all or all but one barrier; and 58% (59/102) among participants who had ≥ 2 unresolved barriers to care. The success of CommLink is attributed, at least in part, to peer counselors who helped their clients avoid or at least temporarily resolve many well-known barriers to HIV care.
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Pubmed ID:32780187
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC7876149
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