Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on the HIV care continuum across global income levels: a mixed-methods systematic review.

backgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to global healthcare systems, including essential services along the HIV care continuum (HCC). While several studies have examined these impacts in specific countries or populations, limited evidence exists on cross-country differences in service disruptions, barriers, and facilitators stratified by national income levels.

methodsWe conducted a mixed-methods systematic review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CAB Direct for quantitative and qualitative studies published between March 2020 and January 2024. Eligible studies assessed the pandemic's impact on one or more stages of the HIV care continuum, including prevention, testing, linkage to care, treatment engagement, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and viral suppression. Data were extracted, appraised, and synthesized using a convergent integrated approach across low-, middle-, and high-income countries as defined by the World Bank.

resultsA total of 200 studies were included. The most frequently disrupted services were HIV testing, prevention (including pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] use), and medical appointments, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. ART adherence and viral suppression showed greater resilience across all settings. Structural barriers, such as lockdowns, healthcare repurposing, and transportation limitations, were widespread, while digital exclusion, stigma, and socioeconomic inequities disproportionately affected marginalized populations. Key facilitators included telemedicine, multi-month dispensing of ART and PrEP, community-based service delivery, and national-level adaptations. The extent of disruption and success of mitigation strategies varied by income level, reflecting differences in health system preparedness and flexibility.

conclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HIV care globally, with variation across income levels and care continuum stages. Health system resilience, equity in access, and pre-existing adaptive infrastructure significantly shaped outcomes. Findings highlight the need to institutionalize flexible, decentralized, and equity-informed service models to strengthen routine HIV care and pandemic preparedness.