CROI 2026: Innovations in HIV Care and Service Delivery to Improve Treatment Outcomes

At the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), investigators presented new findings and innovative interventions that may impact HIV service delivery and care cascade metrics. CROI 2026 focused on challenges faced by specific populations and novel interventions that address those challenges. These include the use of machine learning to predict virologic failure or missed clinic visits; individual-level interventions, such as in-person or virtual training and adherence support; clinic-based person-centered care and optimized clinic practices interventions; and a systemwide opt-out HIV screening and linkage program across federally qualified health centers that led to 100% linkage to care for those newly diagnosed with HIV. Point-ofcare testing for HIV-1 RNA viral load and tenofovir adherence were well received by participants but not associated with improved outcomes. Researchers discussed the impact of disruptions in funding for HIV care and research, particularly among countries receiving support from the US Agency for International Development and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Although data continue to emerge on the profound impact of funding cuts, the collaboration of researchers, care delivery experts, and community members led to the restoration of some programs and continued support for National Institutes of Health-funded research.