PEPFAR's response to the convergence of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic reached the African continent in less than three months from when the first caseswere reported from mainland China. As COVID-19 preparedness and response plans were rapidly instituted across sub-Saharan Africa, many governments and donor organizations braced themselves for the unknown impact the COVID-19 pandemicwould have in under-resourced settings with high burdens of PLHIV. The potential negative impact of COVID-19 inthese countries is uncertain, but is estimated to contribute both directly and indirectly to the morbidity and mortality ofPLHIV, requiring countries to leverage existing HIV care systems to propel COVID-19 responses, while safeguarding PLHIVand HIV programme gains. In anticipation of COVID-19-related disruptions, PEPFAR promptly established guidance to rapidlyadapt HIV programmes to maintain essential HIV services while protecting recipients of care and staff from COVID-19. Thiscommentary reviews PEPFARs COVID-19 technical guidance and provides country-specific examples of programme adaptionsin sub-Saharan Africa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1105917
Entities
People
- B. R. Phelps
- Catherine Godfrey
- Elliot G. Raizes
- George K. Siberry
- Jacqueline Firth
- Julie A. Ake
- Lana Lee
- Rachel Golin
- Thomas Minior
Organizations
- United States Agency for International Development