Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Jul;11(7):e479-e488.
doi: 10.1016/S2352-3018(24)00102-4. Epub 2024 Jun 6.

Moving beyond hotspots of HIV prevalence to geospatial hotspots of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in sub-Saharan Africa

Diego F Cuadros  1 , Qian Huang  2 , Godfrey Musuka  3 , Tafadzwa Dzinamarira  4 , Brian K Moyo  5 , Amon Mpofu  6 , Tatenda Makoni  7 , F DeWolfe Miller  8 , Anna Bershteyn  9
Affiliations
Review

Moving beyond hotspots of HIV prevalence to geospatial hotspots of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in sub-Saharan Africa

Diego F Cuadros et al. Lancet HIV. 2024 Jul.

Abstract

The HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa displays a varied geographical distribution, with particular regions termed as HIV hotspots due to a higher prevalence of infection. Addressing these hotspots is essential for controlling the epidemic. However, these regions, influenced by historical factors, challenge standard interventions. Legacy effects-the lasting impact of past events-play a substantial role in the persistence of these hotspots. To address this challenge of the standard interventions, we propose a shift towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Spatial analysis of HIV viral load and antiretroviral therapy coverage can provide a more comprehensive perspective on the epidemic's dynamics. Studies in Zambia and Zimbabwe, using this approach, have revealed disparities in HIV care metrics across regions. By focusing on the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, more effective control strategies can be designed, with consideration of both historical and current factors. This approach would offer a solution-oriented strategy, emphasising tailored interventions based on specific regional needs.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests We declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Conceptual model of the emergence of HIV hotspots
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
A conceptual model including alternative epidemiological measures to identify HIV hotspots
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Dwyer-Lindgren L, Cork MA, Sligar A, et al. Mapping HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2017. Nature 2019; 570(7760): 189–93. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Cuadros DF, Li J, Branscum AJ, et al. Mapping the spatial variability of HIV infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Effective information for localized HIV prevention and control. Scientific reports 2017; 7(1): 1–11. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Cuadros DF, Awad SF, Abu-Raddad LJ. Mapping HIV clustering: a strategy for identifying populations at high risk ofHIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. International journal of health geographics 2013; 12(1): 1–9. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Mayer JD. The geographical understanding of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift-Norwegian Journal of Geography 2005; 59(1): 6–13.
    1. Boyda DC, Holzman SB, Berman A, Grabowski MK, Chang LW. Geographic Information Systems, spatial analysis, and HIV in Africa: A scoping review. PloS one 2019; 14(5): e0216388. - PMC - PubMed