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Current HIV/AIDS Reports
Published in: Current HIV/AIDS Reports 1/2022

01-02-2022 | Tuberculosis | The Global Epidemic (S Vermund, Section Editor)

PEPFAR’s Role in Protecting and Leveraging HIV Services in the COVID-19 Response in Africa

Authors: Carol W. Holtzman, Catherine Godfrey, Lawal Ismail, Elliot Raizes, Julie A. Ake, Fana Tefera, Salome Okutoyi, George K. Siberry

Published in: Current HIV/AIDS Reports | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We describe the impact of COVID-19 on PEPFAR programs in Africa and how PEPFAR adapted and leveraged its interventions to the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent Findings

To mitigate the potential impact of COVID-19 on the HIV response and protect the gains, continuity of treatment was the guiding principle regarding the provision of services in PEPFAR-supported countries. As the COVID-19 pandemic matured, PEPFAR’s approach evolved from a strictly “protect and salvage” approach to a “restore and accelerate” approach that embraced innovative adaptations in service and “person-centered” care.

Summary

The impact of service delivery interruptions caused by COVID-19 on progress towards HIV epidemic control in PEPFAR-supported African countries remains undetermined. With COVID vaccine coverage many months away and more transmissible variants being reported, Africa may experience more pandemic surges. HIV programs will depend on nimble and innovative adaptations in prevention and treatment services in order to advance epidemic control objectives.
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Metadata
Title
PEPFAR’s Role in Protecting and Leveraging HIV Services in the COVID-19 Response in Africa
Authors
Carol W. Holtzman
Catherine Godfrey
Lawal Ismail
Elliot Raizes
Julie A. Ake
Fana Tefera
Salome Okutoyi
George K. Siberry
Publication date
01-02-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current HIV/AIDS Reports / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1548-3568
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3576
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-021-00587-6

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