WHO Guidance to Support HIV Care Models During the COVID-19 Era


October 20, 2021

In September 2021 the World Health Organization released updated guidance on maintaining essential health services during COVID-19, which provides direction on modifications and specific measures for safe delivery of HIV services, and considerations for transition towards restoration and recovery. Surveys of 101 countries have revealed substantial disruptions across all major health areas with up to 49% reporting disruption of HIV testing services, 46% reporting disruptions to HIV prevention services, 25% of countries reporting disruptions to services to initiate new antiretroviral treatment (ART), 17% reporting disruptions to continuation of established ART treatments. This WHO document provides guidance and considerations to allow for ongoing provision of HIV care services during the pandemic.