Improving patient outcomes through innovative, community-based HIV treatment strategies

Despite the availability of life-saving treatment for HIV, several barriers prevent patient access to high-quality services. HIV program managers and policymakers have shown increasing interest in understanding how best to deliver HIV treatment to different populations and maximize health-system resources at facility and community levels. Project SOAR recognizes the key role that treatment services play in achieving UNAIDS’ 90-90-90 goals for controlling the HIV epidemic through testing, treatment, and viral suppression by 2020. Project SOAR has contributed to the evidence base and catalyzed research use by assessing innovative strategies for antiretroviral treatment (ART) delivery that support different populations in remaining in care, reaching viral suppression, and achieving positive health outcomes. This brief synthesizes results from 15 studies across 9 countries that examined innovations in ART guidelines, including Test and Start and multi-month dispensing; facility-based psychosocial support models for adults, children, and caregivers of people living with HIV; and multiple community platforms and resources to deliver ART and/or support people living with HIV on ART