Abstract

Author:
Adaugo Nnaji, Mjabuli Jamela, Polite Dube, Rebecca A. Adeleke

Doi: 10.26480/jhcdc.01.2025.35.42

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

COVID-19 had a negative impact on global health systems, thereby compromising HIV management due to measures like Lockdowns resulted into health systems disruptions and resource reallocations there by hamper HIV services in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where HIV prevalence is high. The study aimed to examine published empirical findings on the impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on the management and out comes of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns globally had profound impacts on healthcare systems, notably affecting the access to healthcare for People Living with HIV(PLHIV). The study used a systematic literature review approach following the PRISMS guidelines. A computerised search was done on the databases that included Scopus, Medline, ScienceDirect, Web of Science,Embase, and Africa Journals Online. The systematic review included studies done in the Sub-Saharan Africa, between January 2020 and April 2024, using primary data, and reporting on COVID-19 effects on HIVmanagement and outcomes. 26 studies met the study’s inclusion criteria and thus were included in thesystematic review. The study found a significant decline in HIV testing and ART initiations attributed toCOVID-19-induced lockdown measures. The COVID-19 containment measures and pandemic managementpriorities negatively affected HIV care. The adoption of Telemedicine and decentralisation of drug deliveryenhanced HIV treatment during the lockdown period. Multi-month pharmaceutical administration enhancedtreatment adherence and reduced healthcare facility visits, reducing COVID-19 exposure. These HIVtreatment program adaptations reduced exposure to the COVID-19 virus. The adoption of Telehealthapproaches allowed doctors to monitor patients’ health and adjust treatment regimens. Despite challengesemanating from COVID-19, HIV program adaptations were effective in sustaining HIV care. The review impliesthat the integration of robust technical solutions and community-based HIV care is essential for flexible,resilient health systems that can manage dual health crises.