FRAB0302 | AGE AND HIV SUPPRESSION CONFLUENCE: VIRAL LOAD SUPPRESSION OUTCOMES ACROSS AGE COHORTS OF HIV+ CHILDREN IN KIAMBU COUNTY, CENTRAL KENYA

Samuel Chege | Cheer Up Program, Kijabe, Kenya

In 2022, 11,315 Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Kiambu County, Central Kenya, were enrolled for care and support, with 3,179 (28%) identified as HIV-positive and placed on antiretroviral therapy (ART). To meet the UNAIDS 95-95 targets, partners implemented targeted HIV testing and services (HTS), ensuring timely diagnosis, linkage to care, and retention in treatment. A comprehensive assessment examined viral load suppression outcomes across age cohorts, highlighting unique trends and challenges. HIV intervention programs in Central Kenya have faced persistent challenges in ART adherence and viral load monitoring among children. To address these issues, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs), introduced nutritional support programs, mentorship for adolescents, and caregiver education to promote adherence. Innovative monitoring tools helped track viral suppression trends across different age groups. A retrospective review (September 2022 – June 2024) analyzed 864 OVC (47% male, 53% female) on ART, showing steady improvements in suppression rates. In 2022, 58% of children aged 0 to 4 years had their viruses suppressed. This number rose to 63% in 2023 and 67% in 2024. In 5–9 years, suppression improved from 65% in 2022 to 69% in 2023, reaching 72% in 2024. The 10-14-year cohort progressed from 72% in 2022 to 78% in 2023, peaking at 83% in 2024. For 15–17 years, rates grew from 76% in 2022 to 80% in 2023, though they slightly declined to 78% in 2024. For adults over 18, on the other hand, suppression went up from 89% in 2022 to 91% in 2023 and 92% in 2024. Adolescents aged 10-14 years recorded lower suppression rates (74% males vs. 81% females) due to peer pressure, stigma, and challenges with HIV status disclosure. Older groups (15–17 years and over 18 years) had higher male suppression rates (10%) than females (9%). This was due to better adherence patterns, healthcare-seeking behaviors, biological differences, and economic stability. To optimize viral load suppression, interventions should focus on nutrition, mentorship, stigma reduction, adolescent disclosure practices, and real-time adherence tracking to help achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.