Decentralization of viral load testing to improve HIV care and treatment cascade in rural Tanzania: observational study from the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort
Authors: Mnzava Dorcas , Okuma James , Ndege Robert , Kimera Namvua , Ntamatungiro Alex , Nyuri Amina , Byakuzana Theonestina , Abilahi Faraji , Mayeka Paul , Temba Emmy , Fanuel Teddy , Glass Tracy Renée , Klimkait Thomas , Vanobberghen Fiona , Weisser Maja ,   on behalf of the KIULARCO Study Group, Asantiel Aschola , Bani Farida , Battegay Manuel , Byakuzana Theonestina , Chale Adolphina , Eichenberger Anna , Francis Gideon , Furrer Hansjakob , Glass Tracy Renée , Hwaya Speciosa , Kalinjuma Aneth V. , Kasuga Bryson , Katende Andrew , Kimera Namvua , Kisunga Yassin , Kitau Olivia , Klimkait Thomas , Luoga Ezekiel , Mapesi Herry , Mkulila Mengi , Mkusa Margareth , Mlembe Slyakus , Mnzava Dorcas , Mollel Gertrud J. , Moshi Lilian , Mossad Germana , Mpundunga Dolores , Mtandanguo Athumani , Myeya Selerine , Nahota Sanula , Ndaki Regina , Ndege Robert , Ngulukila Agatha , Ntamatungiro Alex , Nyuri Amina , Okuma James , Paris Daniel H. , Samson Leila , Senkoro Elizabeth , Tarimo Jenifa , Temba Yvan , Utzinger Juerg , Vanobberghen Fiona , Weisser Maja , Wigayi John , Wilson Herieth , Kivuma Bernard , Sigalla George , Di Salvo Ivana , Kasmiri Michael , Ngahyoma Suzan , Urio Victor , Sambuta Aloyce , Chuwa Francisca , Masoud Swalehe , Haridas Yvonne R. , Nkouabi Jacqueline 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Monitoring HIV viral load (HVL) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended by the World Health Organization. Implementation of HVL testing programs have been affected by logistic and organizational challenges. Here we describe the HVL monitoring cascade in a rural setting in Tanzania and compare turnaround times (TAT) between an on-site and a referral laboratory.

Methods
In a nested study of the prospective Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO) we included PLHIV aged ≥ 15 years, on ART for ≥ 6 months after implementation of routine HVL monitoring in 2017. We assessed proportions of PLHIV with a blood sample taken for HVL, whose results came back, and who were virally suppressed (HVL < 1000 copies/mL) or unsuppressed (HVL ≥ 1000 copies/mL). We described the proportion of PLHIV with unsuppressed HVL and adequate measures taken as per national guidelines and outcomes among those with low-level viremia (LLV; 100–999 copies/mL). We compare TAT between on-site and referral laboratories by Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results
From 2017 to 2020, among 4,454 PLHIV, 4,238 (95%) had a blood sample taken and 4,177 (99%) of those had a result. Of those, 3,683 (88%) were virally suppressed. In the 494 (12%) unsuppressed PLHIV, 425 (86%) had a follow-up HVL (102 (24%) within 4 months and 158 (37%) had virologic failure. Of these, 103 (65%) were already on second-line ART and 32/55 (58%) switched from first- to second-line ART after a median of 7.7 months (IQR 4.7–12.7). In the 371 (9%) PLHIV with LLV, 327 (88%) had a follow-up HVL. Of these, 267 (82%) resuppressed to < 100 copies/ml, 41 (13%) had persistent LLV and 19 (6%) had unsuppressed HVL. The median TAT for return of HVL results was 21 days (IQR 13–39) at the on-site versus 59 days (IQR 27–99) at the referral laboratory (p < 0.001) with PLHIV receiving the HVL results after a median of 91 days (IQR 36–94; similar for both laboratories).

Conclusion
Robust HVL monitoring is achievable in remote resource-limited settings. More focus is needed on care models for PLHIV with high viral loads to timely address results from routine HVL monitoring.