Evaluation of the impact of PEPFAR transition on retention in care in South Africa’s Western Cape Province

Authors

  • J Chiliza Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA
  • R Laing Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
  • F G Feeley Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA
  • A T Brennan Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, USA; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i1.810

Keywords:

PEPFAR, HIV, retention, South Africa

Abstract

Background. Research on the impact of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) transition in South Africa (SA) in 2012 found varying results in retention in care (RIC) of people living with HIV (PLWH).
Objectives. To investigate the factors that impacted RIC during the PEPFAR transition in Western Cape Province, SA, in 2012.

Methods. We used aggregate data from 61 facilities supported by four non-governmental organisations from 2007 to 2015. The main outcome was RIC 12 months after antiretroviral therapy initiation for two periods – during PEPFAR and post PEPFAR. We used adjusted quantile regression to estimate the effect of the PEPFAR pull-out on RIC.

Results. Regression models (50th quantile) for 12-month RIC showed a 4.0% (95% CI –7.7 - –0.4%) decline in RIC post-direct service. Facilities supported by Anova/Kheth’impilo fared worst post PEFPAR, with a decline in RIC of –4.9% (95% CI –8.8 - –1.0%), while TB, HIV/AIDS, Treatment Support, and Integrated Therapy (that’sit) fared best (3.6% increase in RIC; 95% CI: –0.2 - 7.3%). There was a decrease in RIC when comparing urban with rural areas (–7.8%; 95% CI –12.8 - –2.9%). City of Cape Town combined with Western Cape Government health facilities showed a substantial decrease (–6.1%; 95% CI –10.6 - –1.7%), while community health clinic (v. central day clinics) declined (–6.4; 95% CI –10.6 - –2.1%) in RIC. We observed no RIC difference by facility size and a slight increase when two or more human resources transitioned from PEPFAR to the government.

Conclusion. When PEPFAR funding decreased in 2012, there was a decrease in RIC. To ensure the continuity of HIV care when a major funder withdraws sufficient and stable transition resources, investment in organisations that understand the local context, joint planning and co-ordination are required.

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Published

2023-12-31

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Section

Research

How to Cite

1.
Chiliza J, Laing R, Feeley FG, Brennan AT. Evaluation of the impact of PEPFAR transition on retention in care in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2023 Dec. 31 [cited 2024 Oct. 5];114(1):44-50. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/810

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