Community-based delivery of antiretroviral treatment for female sex workers in Tanzania: High levels of initiation, use, and adherence

Project SOAR in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Program of the government of Tanzania, National Institute of Medical Research, and Jhpiego’s Sauti Program, is conducting implementation science research to investigate the delivery of community-based antiretroviral treatment services to female sex workers in Tanzania. Studies from sub-Saharan Africa have shown improved HIV treatment outcomes, such as uptake of HIV services, retention in care, and increased dignity and quality of life, by using community-based delivery of HIV services.

Using a quasi-experimental design, SOAR found that community based-distribution mechanisms can lead to higher ART initiation, continuation, and adherence rates after six months, compared to standard facility-based ART provision. We also documented that female sex workers reporting high levels of internalized stigma were less likely to initiate ART, highlighting the need for ART programs to address HIV stigma.

This brief summarizes the comparison of 6-month treatment-related outcomes in the intervention arm and the standard treatment delivery arm.