The slide decks and recordings from the AIDS 2020: Virtual satellite session, organized by IAS.

Since being endorsed in the 2016 World Health Organization guidelines, differentiated service delivery (DSD) has become a core component of HIV treatment programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. 

In 2020, the advent of COVID-19 has further highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that HIV services are adaptable and client-centred.  As a result, six-month antiretroviral refills, commonly referred to as 6MMD, has emerged as a silver bullet to supporting people living with HIV during COVID-19.  But DSD has more to offer than just longer ART refills… 

Featuring programmes in Kenya, Sierra Leone and South Africa, people living with HIV, implementers, and ministry of health representatives discussed how DSD is adapting and evolving in 2020.

Introduction – Anna Grimsrud (IAS)

DSD in Kenya’s HIV programme before and during COVID-19 – Dr Catherine Ngugi (National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Kenya)

Scaling up DSD in Kenya during COVID-19 – Dr Paul Wekesa (Centre for Health Solutions, Kenya)

Scale up and adaptation of Cape Town adherence clubs – Dr Beth Harley (Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town)

Utilizing the network of HIV positives in Sierra Leone (NETHIPS) for DSD during COVID-19 – Idrissa Songo (NETHIPS, Sierra Leone)

Prioritized DSD implementation in Sierra Leone due to COVID -19 – Dr Alren Vandy (NACP/MOHS, Sierra Leone)

Learning from and beyond COVID-19 for DSD – Lynne Wilkinson (IAS)

Live session panel discussion overview