Category Archives: Health Systems
Effectiveness of conditional cash transfers for uptake and retention in HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers for the uptake and retention in prevention of mother-to-child...
Maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy: Implications for vertical transmission, fetal safety, and long-term infant outcomes
HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) continues to pose a significant public health challenge, especially in regions with limited resources, although the worldwide distribution of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has drastically lowered the...
Determinants of HIV related mortality in African children on antiretroviral therapy: Clinical and immunological insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The HIV epidemic in Africa is still a serious public health concern, particularly for children who are more vulnerable to its negative consequences. Various studies carried out in different...
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis retention among men who have sex with men and transgender persons: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Successful implementation of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) requires retention in PrEP care among those with an increased likelihood of HIV. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of retention on...
Motivations, facilitators, and barriers of donation-based interventions in HIV and sexually transmitted infection research: A systematic review
IMPORTANCE: Donation-based prosocial interventions involve someone receiving a free health service and then distributing or donating to support health services for others; examples within the HIV and sexually transmitted infection...
Access and utilization of HIV/STI testing services among men who have sex with men during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to bear the disproportionate burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic...
Integration of mental health and HIV service delivery in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of effectiveness
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mental health have complex, bidirectional impacts. Integrated service delivery, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are most limited and the burden of...
Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive women in Africa: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is essential for ensuring the health and survival of children, particularly in regions where diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition are common causes of child mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, over...
Hepatitis C increases acute myocardial infarction risk in people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and is associated with adverse outcomes. However, the specific association between HCV coinfection and the risk of...
Advanced stage disease progression and mortality rate before and after the implementation of the Universal Test and Treat strategy (UTT) for HIV patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The universal test and treat (UTT) program, is a strategy for eliminating HIV and, it involves screening all populations at risk for HIV infection, initiating early treatment for those...
