WHO has released updated recommendations for the delivery of services for people living with HIV, with a focus on individualized care, improved adherence support, and integration of comorbidities.
The new WHO guideline calls for the integration of diabetes and hypertension treatment into HIV services. Up to 5% of people living with HIV in South Africa have diabetes and up to 25% have hypertension, rates similar to those in other regions.
The new WHO guidelines also strongly recommend the inclusion of mental health services in HIV services, including the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorders. Studies show that about a third of people living with HIV have symptoms of depression or anxiety, and at least 20% have an alcohol use disorder.
Another key change is the updated strategies for supporting adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). WHO recommends using a variety of approaches, including counseling, reminders, one-on-one support from health workers, peers or volunteers, and educational interventions tailored to the individual. This should help keep viral replication low and improve quality of life for patients.
“By integrating hypertension, diabetes and mental health care into HIV services and providing personalized support for adherence, we can help people stay on treatment and improve their well-being,” said Dr. Teresa Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Department of HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
You can find the recommendations at the link: “WHO guideline on HIV service delivery. Updated guidance on the integration of diabetes, hypertension and mental health services, and interventions to support adherence to antiretroviral therapy”.