The Analysis of Some Results of Implementing the Russian Strategy for Prevention of HIV Transmission in the Volga Federal District in 2017-2018
The objective of the study was to analyze the results of fulfilling the Action Plan for Implementing the Strategy for Prevention of HIV Transmission in the Volga Federal District in the specified period. Materials and methods. We analyzed data of the state statistical monitoring forms “Information about measures for prevention of HIV infection, hepatitis B and C, diagnosis and treatment of HIV-positive patients” and “Information about the results of blood tests for HIV antibodies” for 2017-2018 submitted by regional AIDS Prevention and Control Centers. Results. We established that, even though the number of HIV-positive persons had increased over the past three years, the percentage of cases receiving medical care remained stable (92.1% in 2018, 92.6% in 2017, and 92.3% in 2016). ART coverage was increasing: the number of patients on therapy significantly exceeded the number of patients in urgent need. We revealed a descending trend in the percentage of patients who discontinued therapy. The coverage by chemoprophylaxis of mother-to-child HIV transmission demonstrated an increasing trend but only 91.3% of pairs received a complete course in 2018. In 2018, 25.1% of VFD citizens were tested for HIV. For the first time, the results of work in the regions of the Volga Federal District were assessed by comparing achieved indicators not only with the district averages but also with the regional target indices. Conclusions. Most targeted indicators of the Strategy were achieved (HIV testing coverage, percentage of HIV positive women in labor who received chemoprophylaxis). We revealed the necessity of continuing efforts to increase ART coverage of HIV-infected persons and to provide its high efficiency.