Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Int AIDS Soc. 4 July 2013; Volume 16; DOI:10.7448/IAS.16.1.18518
Patten GE, Wilkinson LS, Conradie K, Isaakidis P, Harries AD, et al.
J Int AIDS Soc. 4 July 2013; Volume 16; DOI:10.7448/IAS.16.1.18518
Despite the rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in developing countries, pre-treatment losses from care remain a challenge to improving access to treatment. Youth and adolescents have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group, at greater risk of loss from both pre-ART and ART care. Point-of-care (POC) CD4 testing has shown promising results in improving linkage to ART care. In Khayelitsha township, South Africa, POC CD4 testing was implemented at a clinic designated for youth aged 12-25 years. We assessed whether there was an associated reduction in attrition between HIV testing, assessment for eligibility and ART initiation.