Tailored HIV programmes and universal health coverage
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Authors
Holmes, Charles B; Rabkin, Miriam;Ford, Nathan;Preko, Peter;Rosen, Sydney; Ellman, Tom; Ehrenkranz, Peter
Issue Date
2020
Type
Journal / periodical articles
Language
Keywords
Policy and Practice;HIV programmes
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
Improvements in geospatial health data and tailored human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, prevention and treatment
have led to greater microtargeting of the HIV response, based on location, risk, clinical status and disease burden. These approaches show
promise for achieving control of the HIV epidemic. At the same time, United Nations Member States have committed to achieving broader
health and development goals by 2030, including universal health coverage (UHC). HIV epidemic control will facilitate UHC by averting the
need to commit ever-increasing resources to HIV services. Yet an overly targeted HIV response could also distort health systems, impede
integration and potentially threaten broader health goals. We discuss current approaches to achieving both UHC and HIV epidemic control,
noting potential areas of friction between disease-specific microtargeting and integrated health systems, and highlighting opportunities for
convergence that could enhance both initiatives. Examples of these programmatic elements that could be better aligned include: improved
information systems with unique identifiers to track and monitor individuals across health services and the life course; strengthened
subnational data use; more accountable supply chains that supply a broad range of services; and strengthened community-based services
and workforces. We argue that the response both to HIV and to broader health threats should use these areas of convergence to increase
health systems efficiency and mitigate the harm of any potential decrease in health funding. Further investments in implementation and
monitoring of these programme elements will be needed to make progress towards both UHC and HIV epidemic control.
Citation
Publisher
WHO
License
CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO