The cascade of HIV care in Oman, 2015–2018: A population-based study from the Middle East. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elgalib, Ali; Shah, Samir; Al-Habsi, Zeyana; Al-Fouri, Maha; Lau, Richard; Al-Kindi, Hanan; Al-Rawahi, Bader; Al-Abri, Seif
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 90(2020)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- Cascade of care -- Oman -- Middle East -- Viral suppression; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.09.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: The cascade of HIV care was used to evaluate the programmatic success in Oman over time. Improvement in linkage to care, retention in care, ART coverage, and viral suppression was observed amongst people living with HIV in 2015-2018. The second and third UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets are within reach in Oman. Concerted efforts are required to tackle the 'first 90' and reduce the proportion of undiagnosed HIV infections. Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the cascade of HIV care in Oman in 2018 and the longitudinal change in each step from 2015 to 2018. Methods: Population-based data on all diagnosed people living with HIV reported to the National AIDS Programme in 1984–2018 were used. Results: As of December 31, 2018, the estimated number of people living with HIV in Oman was 3030; 1532 (50.6%) were aware of their infection. Of the diagnosed patients, 95.9% were linked to care, 85.8% were retained in care, and 84.3% were on ART. The proportions of patients with viral suppression out of all people with HIV, the diagnosed persons, and those on ART were 37.3%, 73.7%, and 87.5%, respectively. The proportion of patients linked to care increased from 72.6% in 2015 to 95.6% in 2018 ( p < 0.001). Only 57% (947/1661) were retained in care in 2015, which increased to 76.9% (1193/1552) in 2017 and 85.8% (1314/1532) in 2018 ( p < 0.001). Viral suppression increased from 75.7% (672/888) in 2015 to 84.5% (859/1017) in 2016 and 87.5% (1129/1291) in 2018 ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: A sustained improvement in linkage to care, retention in care, ART coverage, and viral suppression was observed amongst people living with HIV in Oman in 2015–2018.