ArticleThe lancet. HIV2022
HIV epidemiology in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region: a multicountry programme review.
Article in The lancet. HIV, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed.
- Venereology and the transformation of sexually transmitted infection services in Beirut, with lessons for the Eastern Mediterranean.BMC global and public health · 2026Article
- Disparities in the burden of tuberculosis associated with urbanization across 178 countries and territories: an observational study.Frontiers in public health · 2025Observational
- Article
- Dual HIV risk and vulnerabilities among people who inject drugs in Iran: Findings from a nationwide study in 2020.Harm reduction journal · 2024Article
- Mapping Transmission Dynamics and Drug Resistance Surveillance in the Cyprus HIV-1 Epidemic (2017-2021).Viruses · 2024Article
- Assessing secular trends in HIV rapid diagnostic test uptake and positivity in Northeast Iran, a country in MENA region; ingredients for target-specific prevention policies.BMC infectious diseases · 2023Article
- An Evolving HIV Epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: A Scoping Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Article
- Acceptability and feasibility of HIV self-testing among transgender people in Larkana, Pakistan: Results from a pilot project.PloS one · 2022Article
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Abstract
backgroundWorldwide, HIV incidence, and mortality has decreased since 2010; however, in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region, trends continue to increase. We reviewed the regional progress to understand determinants of this situation and inform strategies to accelerate the response.
methodsWe conducted a multicountry programme review of 22 countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region from Jan 1, 2010 to Dec 31, 2020. We extracted data from WHO's global AIDS monitoring system, UNAIDS estimates, and country reports regarding incident cases, policy uptake, and antiretrovirals used. We analysed data to describe incidence, testing practices, treatment coverage, and mortality to identify bottlenecks leading to persisting incidence and mortality.
findingsDue to COVID-19 disruptions, the volume of HIV testing in 2020 halved to 3·0 million tests compared with 2019 with 8017 people living with HIV identified (0·27% positivity yield). In comparison with a 0·18% positivity yield from the 6·5 million tests in 2019. HIV tests were done in migrants (59·6%), groups at low risk (38·9%), and key populations (1·5%). Diagnoses with advanced disease increased from 27·3% in 2017 to 37·0% in 2019. In 2019, among 52 318 people on treatment, only 2888 (6%) received optimised regimens as per WHO recommendations. The number of people on treatment increased from 19 000 in 2010 with a coverage of 8% to 110 000 in 2020 with a coverage of 25%. Late diagnoses and suboptimal regimens could explain the increase in mortality from 9600 in 2010 to 17 000 in 2020.
interpretationIn the Eastern Mediterranean region, inefficient testing and suboptimal treatment lead to underdiagnosis, persisting transmission, late treatment, and rising mortality. The HIV epidemic is growing faster than the response. A change in thinking is needed to test groups at high risk, transition to optimised treatment, and deliver patient-centred services that maximise retention.
fundingWorld Health Organization.
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