Evaluation of the impact of PEPFAR transition on retention in care in South Africa's Western Cape Province.

backgroundResearch on the impact of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) transition in South Africa (SA) in 2012 found varying results in retention in care (RIC) of people living with HIV (PLWH).

objectivesTo investigate the factors that impacted RIC during the PEPFAR transition in Western Cape Province, SA, in 2012.

methodsWe used aggregate data from 61 facilities supported by four non-governmental organisations from 2007 to 2015. The main outcome was RIC 12 months after antiretroviral therapy initiation for two periods - during PEPFAR and post PEPFAR. We used adjusted quantile regression to estimate the effect of the PEPFAR pull-out on RIC.

resultsRegression models (50th quantile) for 12-month RIC showed a 4.0% (95% CI -7.7 - -0.4%) decline in RIC post-direct service. Facilities supported by Anova/Kheth'impilo fared worst post PEFPAR, with a decline in RIC of -4.9% (95% CI -8.8 - -1.0%), while TB, HIV/AIDS, Treatment Support, and Integrated Therapy (that'sit) fared best (3.6% increase in RIC; 95% CI: -0.2 - 7.3%). There was a decrease in RIC when comparing urban with rural areas (-7.8%; 95% CI -12.8 - -2.9%). City of Cape Town combined with Western Cape Government health facilities showed a substantial decrease (-6.1%; 95% CI -10.6 - -1.7%), while community health clinic (v. central day clinics) declined (-6.4; 95% CI -10.6 - -2.1%) in RIC. We observed no RIC difference by facility size and a slight increase when two or more human resources transitioned from PEPFAR to the government.

conclusionWhen PEPFAR funding decreased in 2012, there was a decrease in RIC. To ensure the continuity of HIV care when a major funder withdraws sufficient and stable transition resources, investment in organisations that understand the local context, joint planning and co-ordination are required.