The Intersection of Two Pandemics: Elucidating the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on HIV Services among Key Populations in Northeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background:The global impact of COVID-19 continues to affect all sectors, especially the healthcare sector.Settings: This retrospective study was conducted using data generated from routine program implementation in low and middle income setting across 2 north eastern states of Nigeria in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on access to HIV services in Northeast Nigeria. We assessed data from four periods: pre-COVID (November 2019-March 2020), COVID lockdown (April-May 2020), COVID restrictions (June-July 2020), and COVID relaxed restrictions (August -September 2020).Results: Analysis revealed a reduction in HIV service outcome during the COVID lockdown. Of the 602 new HIV cases identified in that period, only 413 were linked to care, signifying a 68.8% ART uptake rate compared to 93% in the pre-COVID period.Conclusions: Strategic measures are needed to ensure continued HIV service delivery care for key populations to counter subsequent effects of the pandemic.