HIV care during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic in Shenzhen, China

Abstract

Purpose of reviewDue to the stringent measures including quarantine of infected individuals and social distancing, the COVID-19 pandemic has posted great challenges for HIV-1 care in China. In this mini-review, I will discuss the situation in Shenzhen city as a window of China to reflect our strategies in fighting the concurrent HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics.Recent findingsPrevention of nosocomial infection, minimizing the follow-up visits to the hospital, maintaining the delivery of PreP/PEP services and testing for SARS-Cov-2 and HIV when someone have fever or respiratory symptoms were the four major approaches to maintain uninterrupted HIV care in Shenzhen. None of 15 000 PLWH seeking HIV care at Shenzhen were diagnosed with COVID-19 during this pandemic.SummaryThis article share the experience unprecedented from Shenzhen. We have to adapt our care and service to continue to engage PLWH to avoid poor outcomes. More research is needed to know the long-Term implications of pandemic for the health of PLWH.