Transient Reductions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Clinic Attendance and Food Security During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic for People Living With HIV in 4 African Countries
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented
public health crisis. Governmental responses have
varied in stringency and enforcement, sometimes including
handwashing, physical distancing, face covering, lockdowns,
curfews, and/or suspension of large gatherings and public
transportation.
In sub-Saharan Africa, policies must precariously balance
public health and economic consequences in settings with a
high reliance on informal economic activity [1], insufficient
social safety net systems [2], and densely populated cities or
cramped living conditions that impede physical distancing
and hygiene [3]. Failure to contain the COVID-19 pandemic
could overwhelm underresourced African healthcare systems
[4] and obstruct healthcare access for other conditions due to
interrupted supply chains, healthcare provider redeployment
or illness, and disrupted transportation [5]. People living with
human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) could be particularly
vulnerable to such disruptions [6], with the potential for lifelong
consequences if they lead to viral failure and emergent
drug resistance. Financial, food security, and social losses could
contribute to emotional distress, reduced mental well-being,
unhealthy coping strategies, and noncompliance with mitigation
measures [7, 8].
We assessed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and
food security in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in 4
African countries.
Description
Keywords
HIV, East Africa, West Africa, COVID-19 pandemic, Food security
Citation
Dear, N., Duff, E., Esber, A., Parikh, A., Iroezindu, M., Bahemana, E., ... & Polyak, C. S. (2021). Transient reductions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) clinic attendance and food security during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for people living with HIV in 4 African countries. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 73(10), 1901-1905. DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab379