Significant Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Care in Hospitals Affecting the First Pillar of the HIV Care Continuum

During COVID-19 lockdown, the in-hospital number of HIV indicator conditions decreased disproportionally compared with other non-COVID-19 diseases, which was accompanied by reduced HIV testing rates, number and proportion of positive HIV tests, and new HIV referrals, with more late presentation after lockdown cessation, indicating a significantly impacted HIV care continuum.

Automated summary

During the COVID lockdown, there was a significant decrease in the number of HIV indicator conditions in hospitals compared to other non-COVID diseases, along with reduced rates of HIV testing and positive tests. After lockdown cessation, there was an increase in late presentation of HIV cases, indicating a significant impact on the HIV care continuum.