HIV care cascade of adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Patricia Silinda, Shirley Baloyi, Kuhlula Maluleke et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. It included 37 studies from 13 countries. Across all age groups, pooled estimates were 73% aware of their HIV-positive status, 84% of those diagnosed had initiated antiretroviral treatment, and 71% of those on treatment had viral suppression. For ages 15–24 years, the corresponding cascade estimates were 73%, 83%, and 82%, respectively. The findings indicate substantial gaps across the cascade.
Key findings
- Across all adolescents and young adults, 73% (95% CI 65% to 81%) knew their HIV-positive status.
- Among those diagnosed, 84% (95% CI 77% to 91%) had initiated antiretroviral treatment.
- Among those on treatment, 71% (95% CI 64% to 79%) had viral load suppression.
- For ages 15–24 years, the pooled proportions were 73% diagnosed, 83% ART initiated, and 82% virally suppressed.
Why it matters
The pooled estimates show that progress is uneven across stages of HIV care for young people in sub-Saharan Africa, with gaps in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and viral suppression. These data help identify where programmes may need to strengthen age-responsive services and support linkage, continuity of care, and sustained treatment engagement.
What to keep in mind
The review reports that studies varied in age bands and cascade outcomes; only 13 studies reported all three cascade outcomes. Estimates were pooled across studies from 13 countries, so they may not represent every setting in the region.