Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on ART access and timely initiation in people living with HIV in 31 countries: a regression discontinuity design study

Key Points

• This study aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affected access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and initiation timing for people living with HIV.
• Conducted a regression discontinuity design across 31 countries
• Analyzed ART initiation trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Examined the impact of public health measures on ART access
• Notable disruptions in ART access were observed during the pandemic
• Timely initiation of ART declined in settings with strict health measures
• Findings indicate a need for better preparedness in future health emergencies