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. 2023 Dec 13;18(12):e0294991.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294991. eCollection 2023.

HIV treatment cascade among female sex workers in Ethiopia: Assessment against the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets

Saro Abdella  1 , Meaza Demissie  2 , Alemayehu Worku  3 , Merga Dheresa  4 , Yemane Berhane  5
Affiliations

HIV treatment cascade among female sex workers in Ethiopia: Assessment against the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets

Saro Abdella et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: HIV treatment cascades for HIV-positive female sex workers (FSWs) have been challenged by the overlapping stigma and discrimination associated with both their sex work and HIV status. This study aims to assess the proportion of HIV-positive FSWs who access care and treatment in Ethiopia.

Method: A cross-sectional study with a respondent-driven sampling technique was used to enroll 6,085 female sex workers from January to June 2020. Interviews were conducted to assess the FSWs' HIV status awareness and access to ART. A blood sample was drawn to determine the current HIV status and viral load level. Logistic regression was run to identify factors associated with FSWs' HIV status awareness.

Results: Of the total 1140 HIV-positive FSWs, 50.38% knew they were HIV positive; 92.88% of those who knew their status were on ART, and 91.68% of those on ART had attained viral suppression of less than 1000 copies per milliliter. The adjusted odds of knowing HIV status was 3.20 (95% CI; 2.00, 5.13) among those aged 35 years and older, 1.81 (95% CI; 1.05, 3.12) among widowed, and 1.73 (95% CI; 1.28, 2.32) in those who did not perceive the risk of HIV acquisition.

Conclusion: Only about half of HIV-positive FSWs knew they were HIV positive. More than 90% of those who knew their status were put on ART and achieved viral suppression. The weakest point in achieving HIV control among FSWs is the identification of those living with HIV.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. HIV treatment cascade against the 90-90-90 targets among female sex workers in Ethiopia, 2020.
Fig 2
Fig 2. HIV treatment cascade among HIV-positive female sex workers in Ethiopia, 2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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