PA-277 Changes in standard care overtaking research: the case of the East African point-of-care (EAPOC) viral load monitoring study in Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions, Tanzania

BackgroundThe proportion of virologically suppressed (83%) people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania is below the 95%-target. Enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) is given when the viral load (VL) is >1000 copies/ml. Centralised laboratory VL monitoring hinders reaching the 95%-target due to cha...

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Published in:BMJ global health 2023-12, Vol.8 (Suppl 10), p.A57-A57
Main Authors: Boer, Marion Sumari-de, Msoka, Perry C, Swai, Iraseni U, Mtenga, Alan E, Ngowi, Kennedy M, Sariko, Margaretha, Reis, Ria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abstracts of Poster and e-Poster Presentations
Feasibility
Innovations
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Summary:BackgroundThe proportion of virologically suppressed (83%) people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania is below the 95%-target. Enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) is given when the viral load (VL) is >1000 copies/ml. Centralised laboratory VL monitoring hinders reaching the 95%-target due to challenges like long turn-around times. Point-of-care (POC) tests may overcome this. The aim was to assess the feasibility of POC monitoring.MethodsWe assessed pre-feasibility during preparations of the EAPOC-study, a cluster randomised trial on the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of POC-VL monitoring using m-PIMA in East Africa. M-PIMA gives results within 70 minutes, displayed as 50 copies/ml.ConclusionWe identified challenges that may hinder the feasibility of POC for viral load monitoring. We recommend having good manuals and thorough training of staff, well-defined staff duties and available time and a good supply of cartridges. In addition, we advocate for POC devices that display VL copies as low as 50 copies/ml.
ISSN:2059-7908
DOI:10.1136/bmjgh-2023-EDC.139