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Abstract
The rapid scale up in identification of sero-discordant couples through home-based HIV testing and counseling by The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) clinic in Jinja, Uganda
N. Hosea Moses, C. Luzzec, J. Birungi, C. Nabiryo, K. Shannon, E. Mills, D. Moore
Background: Given that studies suggest that HIV sero-discordance among cohabitating sexually-active couples is relatively common in high HIV prevalence regions of sub-Saharan Africa, it is imperative that programs develop innovative strategies for early identification of sero-discordance. As such, we aim to report on the impact of scaled-up home-based HIV counseling and testing (HCT) on identification of sero-discordance couples of HIV+ clients attending TASO in Uganda, one of the largest HIV/AIDS care organizations in Africa
Methods: Based on new program priorities and resource capacity, TASO Jinja clinic recently scale-up HCT to family members and partners of HIV+ index participants. Using the clinical database of clients and family members at TASO, we reviewed numbers and demographics characteristics of newly identified sero-discordant cohabitating partners through scaled-up HCT between August-October 2008
Results: TASO Jinja provides services to 6300 active HIV+ clients, both on and not on HAART, of whom 811(12.8%) have been identified to date as living in sero-discordant relationships. Based on scaled-up HCT, close to half (49%, n=395) sero-discordant couples were identified over just a 3month period. Among sero-discordant couples identified through TASO, 93.8% live within radius of 75km, 43.3% are in polygamous relationships, 37.8% illiterate, and 14.6% are paid employees. Of 811 couples, 18.5% are accessing support services through sero-discordant couples clubs established
Conclusions: Results suggest a significant potential for rapid identification of sero-discordance through scaled up access to HCT among HIV+ clients presenting at treatment and care. Given that HIV- partners within these couples are at high risk for acquiring HIV infection, there is an urgent preventative need for sustained resources to support early HCT of HIV+ clients and increased access to sero-discordant couples counseling and support services, including polygamous discordant couples. Additionally, the results suggest a crucial need for innovative intervention and support services for HIV- partners in discordant relationships
5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
MOPED076
Suggested Citation
"N.HoseaMoses, et al.
The rapid scale up in identification of sero-discordant couples through home-based HIV testing and counseling by The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) clinic in Jinja, Uganda .
:
5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
MOPED076 "
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