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. 2020 Feb 24;16(1):17.
doi: 10.1186/s12992-020-00549-4.

Leaving no one behind: lessons from implementation of policies for universal HIV treatment to universal health coverage

Yibeltal Assefa  1 , Peter S Hill  2 , Wim Van Damme  3 , Judith Dean  2 , Charles F Gilks  2
Affiliations

Leaving no one behind: lessons from implementation of policies for universal HIV treatment to universal health coverage

Yibeltal Assefa et al. Global Health. .

Abstract

Background: The third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG - 3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. SDG-3 has a specific target on universal health coverage (UHC), which emphasizes the importance of all people and communities having access to quality health services without risking financial hardship. The objective of this study is to review progress towards UHC using antiretroviral treatment (ART) as a case study.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods design including qualitative and quantitative approaches. We reviewed and synthesised the evidence on the evolution of the WHO HIV treatment guidelines between 2002 and 2019. We calculated ART coverage over time by gender, age group, and location. We also estimated ART coverage differences and ratios.

Findings: ART guidelines have evolved from "treating the sickest" to "treating all". ART coverage increased globally from under 7% in 2005 to 62% in 2018. There have been successes in increasing ART coverage in all populations and locations. However, progress varies by population and location in many regions. There is inequity in ART coverage: women (68%) versus men (55%), and adults (62%) versus children (54%). This inequity has widened over time, and with expanded ART eligibility criteria. On the other hand, data from at least one high-burden country (Ethiopia) shows that inequity among regions has narrowed over time due to the improvements in the primary health care systems and implementation of the public health approach in the country.

Conclusion: ART coverage has increased at global, regional and national levels to all population groups. However, the gains have not been equitable among locations and populations. Policies towards universality may widen the inequity in resource-limited settings unless countries take precautions and "put the last first". We argue that primary health care and public health approaches, with multi-sectoral actions and community engagement, are vital to minimize inequity, achieve UHC and leave no one behind.

Keywords: Equity; HIV, antiretroviral treatment; Leaving no one behind; Universal health coverage; Universality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Number of new HIV infections and deaths in people living with HIV, 2000–2018
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
ART coverage at regional level in Ethiopia, 2005, 2010, 2013 and 2017
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
HIV testing coverage at regional level in Ethiopia, 2005, 2011 and 2016
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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