The Impact of COVID-19 on HIV Services in Kajiado County, Kenya: An interrupted time series analysis DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i1.3

Abstract

Background: Globally, approximately forty million people are living with HIV, indicating HIV/AIDS is a major global public health issue. The World Health Organisation (WHO) projected that disruptions to HIV treatment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could result in over 500,000 additional AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa between 2020 and 2021. In recent decades, Kenya has made significant progress in HIV/AIDS care, leading to notable declines in incidence, morbidity, and mortality. However, limited data exist on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV/AIDS care in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methodology: This was an interrupted time series study design, where aggregate monthly HIV care services data were collected from the health information systems of Loitoktok, Ongata Rongai, Kitengela sub-County Hospitals and Entasopia Health Centre in Kajiado County. The pre-COVID-19 period (June 2018 to February 2020) and the COVID-19 period (March 2020 to November 2021) were analysed.

Results: ART continuation remained stable at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.200) and significantly increased over time (p = 0.048). New HIV care enrolments sharply declined at the pandemic's onset (p < 0.001), and HIV testing services showed a sustained decrease (p = 0.009). In contrast, PrEP use rose steadily throughout (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: In Kajiado, COVID-19 negatively impacted HIV treatment and prevention services. Decreasing trends indicated COVID-19 disruption, while increasing trends indicated that healthcare systems have successfully evolved to continue delivering HIV care despite COVID-19 disruptions.