HIV care during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic in Shenzhen, China

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• HIV/AIDS Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic imposed significant challenges on HIV-1 care in China due to stringent public health measures.
• Maintaining continuous HIV services required adapting strategies to mitigate risks associated with quarantine and social distancing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss strategies implemented in Shenzhen, China, for managing concurrent HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics.
• To highlight Shenzhen's experience as a model for maintaining HIV care amidst a global health crisis.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of four key approaches: preventing nosocomial infections, minimizing hospital visits, ensuring continuity of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) services, and targeted testing for SARS-CoV-2 and HIV.
• Focused on adapting care delivery to maintain engagement with people living with HIV (PLWH).

Main Results:

• No cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed among the 15,000 people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving care in Shenzhen during the pandemic.
• The implemented strategies were effective in maintaining uninterrupted HIV care and preventing co-infections.

Conclusions:

• Shenzhen's experience demonstrates the feasibility of adapting HIV care services to ensure continued engagement and prevent adverse outcomes during pandemics.
• Further research is necessary to understand the long-term health implications of the pandemic on PLWH.