Neftaly: Achieving 90% Viral Suppression Among PLHIV on ART
Overview
Viral suppression is a critical indicator of the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and a cornerstone of efforts to control the HIV epidemic. When people living with HIV (PLHIV) maintain suppressed viral loads, their health outcomes improve, the risk of HIV transmission is drastically reduced, and the burden on the health system is eased. Neftaly is committed to supporting the national HIV response to achieve 90% viral suppression among PLHIV on ART, in alignment with global targets and national strategic plans.
Goal
To ensure that 90% of people living with HIV receiving ART achieve and maintain viral suppression, through improved adherence support, service quality, monitoring, and community engagement.
Strategic Objectives
1. Improve Access to High-Quality ART Services
- Ensure a consistent supply of optimal antiretroviral regimens, including first-line and second-line options.
- Decentralize ART services and expand differentiated service delivery (DSD) models to make treatment more accessible and patient-centered.
- Strengthen clinical management of HIV to address co-morbidities and treatment failure.
2. Strengthen Adherence Support and Retention in Care
- Implement adherence counselling, peer support, and community-based follow-up to improve long-term ART retention.
- Use digital tools (SMS reminders, mobile apps) to support adherence and track missed appointments.
- Engage family members and community networks to support treatment continuity and stigma reduction.
3. Expand Access to Viral Load Testing
- Scale up routine viral load testing and monitoring in line with national guidelines.
- Ensure timely sample transport, laboratory capacity, and result turnaround to inform clinical decision-making.
- Use viral load data to identify and respond to cases of virologic failure promptly.
4. Train and Equip Health Providers
- Build the capacity of healthcare workers in ART management, patient communication, and viral load interpretation.
- Promote task-shifting and mentorship programs to optimize the use of available human resources.
- Implement quality improvement initiatives to ensure consistent, high-standard HIV care.
5. Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation
- Use national health information systems to track viral suppression rates and identify gaps across regions and populations.
- Conduct regular cohort analyses to evaluate treatment outcomes and program effectiveness.
- Report progress toward the 90% viral suppression target to guide policy and resource allocation.
Expected Outcomes
- At least 90% of PLHIV on ART achieve viral suppression by the target year.
- Improved health outcomes and quality of life for people living with HIV.
- Reduced HIV transmission at community level (“Undetectable = Untransmittable” or U=U).
- Stronger and more responsive ART service delivery system.
- Increased public confidence and engagement in the national HIV response.
Conclusion
Achieving 90% viral suppression among PLHIV on ART is a pivotal step toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. Neftaly is dedicated to supporting health systems, communities, and individuals to meet this target through strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration—ensuring that every person on treatment can live a long, healthy life with dignity.