Optimizing the HIV Treatment Cascade in Togo using Individualized Case Management and Passive Data Collection with Unique Identifier Codes

Project dates: October 2015 – March 2017

Principal Investigators: Stefan Baral, Virginie Ettiegne-Traoré

Description: The objective of this study is to characterize the HIV treatment cascade, and to pilot an individual case management approach to support Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) among female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV who are not virally suppressed in Lome, Togo. In the context of the HIV epidemic in Togo, with a disproportionate burden of HIV amongst MSM and FSW, understanding the effectiveness of interventions around early initiation of ART and optimized retention is important for the continued HIV response. The HIV treatment cascade will be characterized through the optimization of the passive data collection of government health facility data relating to HIV testing, linkage to care, and treatment initiation and retention. Patient engagement in HIV treatment cascade will be assessed through the linkage of Unique Identifier Codes (UIC) to patient viral load. In study clinics trained mediators will receive extensive training in study clinics to support transition to being case managers, as a means of addressing barriers to ART uptake and adherence. They will support patient retention of treatment and to achieve sustained viral suppression (SVS) among People Living with HIV in Togo.

Collaboration Partners: FHI360 through the regional HIV/AIDS prevention and care project in West Africa (Pacte-VIH)

Funding Source: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/West Africa