Get started
Work

HIV PrEP programmes as a framework for diagnosing and treating HBV infection in adolescents and young adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Guidelines for Hepatitis B treatment released by the World Health Organization in 2024 include the potential for use of dual therapy, combining tenofovir with either emtricitabine or lamivudine. These fixed-dose combinations are also used for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in people at risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We hypothesize that pre-existing HIV PrEP programmes can support access to HBV testing and treatment Methods At the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, we evaluated PrEP uptake and retention amongst adolescents and young adults aged 15-30 years. We reviewed HBV status, acceptance of PrEP and retention in follow-up between June 2022 - Sept 2024. Results 15,847 adolescents and young adults received an assessment in the community, of whom 3481/15847 (21.9%) were eligible for HIV prevention interventions. 3431/3481 (98.6%) accepted HBV screening, of whom 21/3431 (0.6%) tested positive for HBsAg. These 21 individuals had not previously been aware of their HBV status, but one was already on antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. Amongst the remaining 20, 16/20 (80%) were considered eligible for PrEP, and 15 started PrEP. When investigating follow up and retention in care, among 15 individuals due for a refill 8/15 (53.3%) returned at least once. Conclusion Sexual reproductive health and PrEP programmes provide an opportunity for HBV testing and treatment. However, attrition from the care cascade at each step highlights the pressing need for interventions that address barriers to sustainable delivery of long-term care.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2025.100600
Authors: Gloria Sukali, Jacob Busang, Jaco Dreyer, Thandeka Khoza, Marion Delphin, Nonhlanhla Okesola, Carina Herbst, Elizabeth Waddilove, Janine Upton, Janet Seeley, Collins Iwuji, Motswedi Anderson, Philippa C. Matthews, Maryam Shahmanesh
Institutions: The Francis Crick Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University College London, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, University College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
Funders: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institute on Handicapped Research, Wellcome Trust, Francis Crick Institute, Animal Health Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Université Catholique de Louvain, UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health
Awards: G2361699192, Maximizing combination HIV prevention, uptake and retention by adolescent girls and young women, Africa Health Research Institute NPC - To explore the acceptability, feasibility and role of blood based HIV self-testing to support safe decentralisation of PrEP choice along the PrEP c..., Africa Health Research Institute NPC - To explore how PrEP choice in the context of long-acting products is understood and used by young people and service providers to explore preferen..., G758987063, Africa Health Research Institute NPC - to investigate the impact of universal risk-informed biosocial HIV prevention through decentralized sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services i..., G9000107572
OpenAlex ID: W4411104561
FWCI: 1.409
Cites: 22
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10