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. 2023 Jul 1;42(7):573-575.
doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003906. Epub 2023 Mar 20.

Implementation and Uptake of Raltegravir Granules in Newborns Diagnosed With HIV Through Birth Testing in Maternity Settings in Zimbabwe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lise Denoeud-Ndam  1 , Carl Stecker  2 , Precious Andifasi  3 , Angela Mushavi  3 , Talent Maphosa  4 , Mongiwa Zondo  5 , Mildrate Murandu  5 , Gladys Gombakomba  5 , Leila Katirayi  6 , More Mungati  5 , Rebecca Bailey  1 , Rachel Weber  4 , Emilia Rivadeneira  7 , Susan Hrapcak  7
Affiliations

Implementation and Uptake of Raltegravir Granules in Newborns Diagnosed With HIV Through Birth Testing in Maternity Settings in Zimbabwe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lise Denoeud-Ndam et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. .

Abstract

Zimbabwe introduced raltegravir (RAL) granules at 14 facilities providing point-of-care HIV birth testing, aiming to initiate all newborns with HIV on a RAL-based regimen. From June 2020 to July 2021, we tested 3172 of the 6989 (45%) newborns exposed to HIV; we diagnosed 59(2%) with HIV infection, of whom 27 (46%) initiated RAL. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease pandemic exacerbated supply chain and trained provider shortages, contributing to low birth testing, RAL uptake and 6-month viral load testing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Point-of-care birth testing, ART initiation and RAL treatment cascade; N = 6989 neonates exposed to HIV in 14 health facilities in Zimbabwe.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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