Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40200165›Full record

ArticleBMC infectious diseases2025

Bridging the gap: identifying barriers and strategies for widespread implementation of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.

Pierre Gashema, Patrick Gad Iradukunda, Eric Saramba, Tumusime Musafiri, Thérèse Umuhoza, Felix Ndahimana, Angelique Ingabire, Moise Mukire Ndoli, Gerard Mutagoma, Ivan Emil Mwikarago and 6 more

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
8citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

8 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
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  8. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

16 authors.

Pierre GashemaRepolicy Research Centre, Department of Research, Kigali, Rwanda. gashemapierre@gmail.com.
Patrick Gad IradukundaRepolicy Research Centre, Department of Research, Kigali, Rwanda.
Eric SarambaCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Tumusime MusafiriPartners in Health, Department of Research and Training, Kigali, Rwanda.
Thérèse UmuhozaAROSE, Department of Research, Kigali, Rwanda.
Felix NdahimanaCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Angelique IngabireCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Moise Mukire NdoliCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Gerard MutagomaCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Microbiology, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Ivan Emil MwikaragoAROSE, Department of Research, Kigali, Rwanda.
Eric NyirimigaboDepartment of Drugs, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, Kigali, Rwanda.
Muhayimpundu RibakareDepartment of HIV, TB and Hepatitis, World Health Organization, Kigali, Rwanda.
Jean de Dieu HarelimanaCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
Enos MoyoCollege of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Tafadzwa DzinamariraDepartment of Technical Services, ICAP, Lusaka, Zambia.
Claude Mambo MuvunyiRwanda Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Service, Kigali, Rwanda.

Funding

World Health Organization 001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLong-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART) is a new, and innovative approach to HIV treatment, designed to address several challenges, including the adherence issues associated with daily oral ART. This review synthesizes existing literature on the barriers and strategies for implementing LAI ART in the sub-Saharan Africa region, while identifying key knowledge gaps and research priorities.

methodsWe performed a comprehensive literature search, encompassing electronic databases and grey literature sources. Our review included 18 studies published between 2014 and 2023, focusing on the acceptability, feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of LAI ART in SSA. A narrative synthesis approach was employed for reporting review findings.

resultsOur review revealed a high demand and acceptability of LAI ART among people living with HIV in SSA, particularly those facing stigma and discrimination. LAI ART can improve adherence, retention, and viral suppression while reducing pill burden and frequent clinic visits. Implementation challenges include lack of regulatory approval, high cost, limited supply chain, health system capacity, trained staff, and cold storage facilities. Further research on safety and efficacy, as well as efforts in advocacy, policy, and community engagement, are needed to ensure accessibility and equity.

conclusionThis review highlights key knowledge gaps and research priorities essential for the successful implementation of LAI ART in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing these gaps such as evaluating long-term outcomes, understanding drug resistance, and exploring the impact on sexual and reproductive health will be critical to ensuring the broader accessibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of LAI ART in the region. Further research on the experiences and preferences of different subgroups, as well as the interaction with other medications and co-infections, is also needed to inform tailored implementation strategies. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Anti-HIV AgentsHIV InfectionsAfrica South of the SaharaDelayed-Action PreparationsHumansInjectionsMedication AdherenceAnti-HIV AgentsDelayed-Action PreparationsChallengesKnowledge gapsLong-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART)People living with HIV (PLWH)Research prioritiessub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Identifiers

PMID40200165
PMCPMC11980112

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.