Despite progress toward reducing AIDS-related mortality over the past decade, the percentage of patients presenting to care with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) remains consistently high, representing a large and avoidable burden of morbidity and mortality. The Global AHD Toolkit was developed to support the rollout of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended package of care for people with AHD. To expand access to this information for frontline healthcare workers directly managing clients, CHAI partnered with Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) through the Unitaid-CHAI AHD Initiative Enhanced Partner Network to develop an open access mobile application for healthcare workers with Android and Apple compatibility.
Key app functionalities
- The application contains information necessary to manage clients with AHD, including 1) Key Facts, 2) Training Resources, 3) Case Series, 4) Key Guidelines, 5) Dosages and Medications, and 6) Frequently Asked Questions. In addition, the application includes a glossary of acronyms and has functionality to search and request updates or content edits.
- The tool is open-access for all end-users and offline accessible (after downloading the application) to optimize use in settings with low-connectivity.
- The application is compatible with Android and Apple phones.
- It was developed as a global application in English. CHAI and IDI welcome stakeholders who want to adapt the application for their country context (e.g., language change and/or adaptation to local guidelines) to reach out to inquire about customizing the application through the “Updates” page.
Access the app in Apple Store and Google Play.
The Unitaid-CHAI AHD Initiative
In sub-Saharan Africa, more than a third of all people living with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) have AHD, and approximately 10 percent die within the first three months of starting ART. Despite these vast numbers, the diagnostic tools, treatment, and preventative services required to address AHD are virtually non-existent in most low- and middle-income countries, leading to high mortality rates.
In alignment with the WHO’s guidelines for managing AHD, the Unitaid-CHAI AHD Initiative enables the use of optimal medicines and diagnostics as part of a comprehensive AHD package of care in countries where these commodities have historically been unavailable through national programs. By addressing market barriers and partnering with ministries of health for implementation, the Unitaid-CHAI AHD Initiative is ensuring that appropriate care rapidly reaches patients who need it the most and pathways are created for scalable and sustainable access.
Enhanced Partner Network
To deliver wider impact within the Unitaid-CHAI AHD Initiative, CHAI established the Enhanced Partner Network to identify and subcontract implementing partners for targeted projects addressing key implementation and research gaps in the AHD landscape. Projects have kicked off across Asia, Africa, and South America to conduct work in technology, research, and implementation. They will inform the scale-up of care across LMICs, equip stakeholders with resources to advocate for services, and provide improved decentralized services for more patients.
