Demand for Programs for Key Populations in Africa from Countries Receiving International Donor Assistance

There has been increasing attention in recent years to the HIV prevention; treatment; and care needs of key populations in Africa; in particular men who have sex with men (MSM); injection drug users (IDU); and female sex workers (FSW). While several major donors have undertaken efforts to prioritize these groups; it remains unclear which African countries are actively seeking donor support for these programs. For this analysis; we reviewed publicly available proposal and budget documentation from the US PEPFAR for fiscal years 2007 through 2010 and Rounds 1 through 10 of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS; Tuberculosis and Malaria for 40 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the 164 searchable documents retrieved; nearly two-thirds contained at least one program serving FSW (65; 107 proposals); less than one-third contained at least one program serving MSM (29; 47 proposals); and a minority proposed programming for IDU (13; 21 proposals). Demand for these programs was highly concentrated in a subset of countries. Epidemiological data for at least one key population was included in a majority of these proposals (63; 67 proposals); but in many cases these data were not linked to programs

Retrospective review of antiretroviral therapy program data in accredited private hospitals in Addis Ababa City Administration, Ethiopia

Background: Ethiopia is committed to improving access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) service. In May 2005; some private hospitals in Addis Ababa City Administration received accreditation to provide ART services to eligible patients. Objective: To examine and describe the achievements of the ART Program in accredited private hospitals. Methods: Descriptive retrospective analyses of reported ART Program Data from accredited private hospitals; between May 2005 and 31st December 2009. The aggregate data was obtained from Addis Ababa Regional Health Bureau and consisted of information about patients enrolled for care; those who started ART; and those presently are on ART. Results: During the study period; 10;849 patients were enrolled for care; 9;442 who had just started ART and 5;608 already on it across the study private facilities. In general close to 75of the total patients enrolled for care at five facilities. Although the majority (87) had started treatment in the past; only 59.4were currently on treatment. Overall; the program retained 66.4of the patients (n=6;270) and attrition was 32(n=3;021). Conclusions: Differences in patient enrollment for care; ART initiation and retention were observed across facilities. A significant number of patients discontinued treatment and their outcome status was unclear. A better monitoring and reporting of ART Program Data will improve program quality. An effective strategy is needed to enhance patient retention and tracing in the accredited private hospitals in Addis Ababa City Administration