Advanced HIV Disease (AHD)
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) continues to emphasize that strengthening the response to Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) is essential to reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Despite significant progress in expanding access to antiretroviral therapy, many people continue to present with advanced disease or re-engage in care after treatment interruption, placing them at high risk of severe opportunistic infections and death. PAHO recommends a comprehensive package of interventions which includes expanded HIV testing to reduce late diagnosis, with universal approaches in high-prevalence areas, routine screening for opportunistic infections with rapid tests (tuberculosis, cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis), timely prevention and treatment, rapid treatment initiation of antiretrovirals and continuous capacity building of healthcare workers to ensure adequate retention and viral suppression to improve outcomes for people living with HIV.
In the Caribbean, ensuring that healthcare providers have timely access to the latest evidence, clinical guidance, and practical implementation tools is critical to strengthening the regional response to AHD and improving the quality of HIV services. The Caribbean HIV Community of Practice brings together clinicians, programme managers, policymakers, researchers, community organizations, and development partners to foster collaboration, facilitate peer-to-peer learning, and promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices across the region that will enhance the response to AHD.
Complementing this network, this Knowledge Repository serves as a centralized resource for guidelines, clinical tools, training materials, research, webinars, case studies, and promising practices. Together, the Community of Practice and Knowledge Repository support continuous professional development, strengthen clinical and programmatic decision-making, and promote the adoption of evidence-based approaches that contribute to better health outcomes and progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Caribbean.