by Keith Alcorn

Starting antiretroviral treatment on the day of diagnosis in a community setting and picking up medication from a mobile van resulted in superior rates of viral suppression, especially in men in South Africa, the randomised DO ART trial has found.

The findings were presented at the 2020 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, which is taking place online this year in response to the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Men living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely to be diagnosed, less likely to be in care and in some settings, less likely to be on antiretroviral treatment.

Improving diagnosis and engagement in care among men living with HIV is essential to achieve the goals of 90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment and 90% virally suppressed that guide international efforts to reduce HIV transmission and mortality.

But engaging men in care has proved challenging in many countries. Work commitments, stigma, and clinical services geared towards the needs of women and children are often cited by men as obstacles to care. Read more via AIDSmap