Repositioning Implementation Science in the HIV Response: Looking Ahead From AIDS 2018

Area of Science:

• Implementation science
• HIV/AIDS research
• Public health interventions

Background:

• Implementation science (IS) is vital for translating evidence-based HIV interventions into real-world impact.
• IS research is a dedicated track at the International AIDS Conference, highlighting its importance.
• The goal of IS is to improve HIV prevention, testing, treatment, quality of life, and mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the content of Track E and related presentations on IS at the 22nd International AIDS Conference (2018).
• To identify key findings and themes in HIV/AIDS implementation science.
• To provide recommendations for strengthening the field by the 2020 conference.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of presentations from the 22nd International AIDS Conference (Amsterdam, 2018).
• Focus on Track E and other sessions relevant to implementation science in HIV/AIDS.
• Thematic identification and synthesis of key findings and challenges.

Main Results:

• "Treat all" strategies in Africa yielded mixed results.
• HIV testing innovations like self-testing and index testing are improving reach, especially among men.
• Adherence clubs and other retention strategies show mixed effectiveness.
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation faces challenges in demand creation and sustained use.

Conclusions:

• Implementation science for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention is growing.
• Prioritizing IS for primary HIV prevention is essential due to a lack of rigorous studies.
• Routine data quality, costing/financing studies, and addressing methodological challenges are key areas for development.