Advancing Health Through Research

This study examined the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy (March 2023) on HIV service uptake in Blantyre clinics. Findings showed OPD attendance decreased by 4%, but clients missing ART appointments reduced by 39% and treatment interrupters decreased by 11%. The resilience of HIV services was attributed to mobile HIV services in camps, multi-month ART prescriptions, and accessible clinic locations. The study provides important lessons for maintaining HIV services during climate-related disasters.

This study highlights successful integration of cervical cancer screening in HIV and reproductive health services, leading to high screening uptake. However, treatment gaps due to logistical issues need urgent attention to maximize the program's impact. The research demonstrates MACRO's commitment to comprehensive women's health services alongside HIV care.

This retrospective data analysis from eight districts in Malawi evaluated a case management intervention using a risk stratification tool to enroll PLHIV into different care categories. Of 57,238 clients enrolled, retention rates were 98% for low-risk clients, 92% for moderate-risk, and 91% for high-risk clients. The study demonstrated that case management with risk stratification and peer-delivered counseling significantly improved retention across all risk categories.

This study assessed a three-day behavioral skills training for 59 Health Development Assistants (HDAs) in implementing Active Index Case Testing (AIT). Post-training knowledge increased from 51% to 70% (p < 0.0001). Contact elicitation increased by 19%, index to contact ratio by 38%, and contacts traced by 21%. The findings demonstrate that behavioral skills-building training improves AIT technical expertise, leading to increased identification of HIV-positive individuals and linkage to care.