OA Text is an independent open-access scientific publisher showcases innovative research and ideas aimed at improving health by linking research and practice to the benefit of society.

Objectives. This study was conducted to assess the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) program in Sudan in terms of the expenditure trends over the pe

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a huge burden on healthcare systems, especially on programs for chronic illnesses such as HIV. We aimed to assess the challenges confronting adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) in three countries in North Africa during the COVID-19 crisis and their awareness of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical preventive measures. Methods: This online survey included PLHIV aged ≥18 y from three countries in North Africa recruited by a snowball sampling technique, who were asked to complete a modified questionnaire originally developed by the University of Antwerp in Belgium, which was then disseminated through social media tools to assess the study outcomes. Results: Out of 369 respondents, 260 (70.5%) were males and 237 (64.2%) were aged 18–39 y. Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, wearing facemasks (308 [83.2%]), applying hand-sanitizers (299 [80.8%]) and following cough etiquette (261 [70.5%]), were predominantly reported. Only 48 (13%) were vaccinated against influenza. One hundred and forty-five participants (42%) experienced flu-like symptoms, 29 (20%) were tested for COVID-19, with only one confirmed case identified. Among 344 (93.2%) on antiretroviral therapy (73.8% efavirenz- vs 6.4% dolutegravir-based regimens), 219 (63.7%) attended their scheduled visits, 144 (41.9%) had limited access to care due to lockdown and 29 (8.4%) became less adherent to their antiretroviral therapy. Covariates associated with challenges during access to care were age ≥60 y (OR=6.5; 95% CI 1.8 to 23.2) and receiving second-line HIV treatment such as protease inhibitors (OR=2.7; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.8). Conclusion: The pandemic adversely affected PLHIV. New innovative strategies should be implemented to ensure the continuity of HIV services.

OA Text is an independent open-access scientific publisher showcases innovative research and ideas aimed at improving health by linking research and practice to the benefit of society.