Impact of COVID-19 on Adolescent HIV Prevention and Treatment Research in the AHISA Network

• DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03811-5
• Publication Date: 2022-09-12T11:04:47Z
• Authors: Elizabeth D. Lowe...; Stephanie M. DeLong; Brian Zanoni; Irene Njuguna; Kristin Beima-Sofie; Dorothy Dow; Aisa Shayo; Alana Schreibman; Charisse V. Ahmed; Jennifer Chapman; Lydia Chen; Shreya Mehta; Michael T. Mbizvo
• Keywords: Pandemic; Health psychology

Abstract Members of the Adolescent HIV Prevention and Treatment Implementation Science Alliance (AHISA) network conduct research aiming to close gaps between what is known be impactful across prevention treatment cascade, services delivered optimize outcomes for adolescents/young adults (AYA) in high HIV-prevalence settings. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges which threaten exacerbate care access disparities. We report results a survey among AHISA teams with active AYA programs African countries determine how has impacted their efforts. Results highlighted detrimental impact on efforts expanded need implementation help provide evidence-based, context-specific recovery support. Key lessons learned included viability remote service delivery strategies other innovations, adaptive systems that respond evolving contextual needs, organized documentation plans, within empathic flexible environments.