Suboptimal viral suppression rates among HIV-infected children in low- and middle-income countries: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The 90-90-90 goals aim to achieve viral suppression in 90% of all HIV-infected people on antiretroviral treatment (ART), which is especially challenging in children. Global estimates of viral suppression among children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are lacking. This study summarizes viral suppression rates in children on first-line ART in LMIC since the year 2000. METHODS: We searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies and analyzed viral suppression rates among children started on ART during three time periods, based on major World Health Organization (WHO) guideline changes: early (2000-2005), intermediate (2006-2009), and current (2010 and later), using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-two studies, reporting on 51,347 children and adolescents (<18 years), were included. After 12 months on first-line ART, viral suppression was achieved by 64.7% (95%CI 57.5-71.8) in the early, 74.2% (95%CI 70.2-78.2) in the intermediate, and 72.7% (95% 62.6-82.8) in the current time period. Rates were similar after 6 and 24 months of ART. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, 42.7% (95%CI 33.7-51.7) in the early, 45.7% (95%CI 33.2-58.3) in the intermediate, and 62.5% (95%CI 53.3-72.6) in the current period were suppressed. Long-term follow-up data were scarce. CONCLUSION: Viral suppression rates among children on ART in LMIC were low and were considerably poorer than those previously found in adults in LMIC and children in high-income countries. Little progress has been made in improving viral suppression rates over the past years. Without increased efforts to improve pediatric HIV treatment, the 90-90-90 targets for children in LMIC will not be reached.

• Population(s)
  • Children or Youth (less than 18 years old)
  • General HIV+ population
• Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Treatment
• Prevention
  • Biomedical interventions