In her doctoral dissertation, MSc. Anya Cushnie presents an in-depth analysis of Jamaica’s HIV treatment outcomes before and after the implementation of the Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) strategy in 2017. The research leverages data from national treatment services and provides critical insights into the effectiveness of HIV care strategies and the gaps that still exist in achieving global health targets.
Anya Cushnie examined key treatment milestones for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Jamaica, including the stage of diagnosis, time of treatment initiation, and viral suppression rates. The research found that UTT significantly improved access to treatment and outcomes, with notable reductions in late HIV diagnoses and faster viral suppression. However, the retention of antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a challenge, particularly among men and ageing PLHIV.
“While Universal Testing and Treatment has been instrumental in accelerating access to HIV care in Jamaica, our findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve retention and ensure more patients achieve viral suppression,” Cushnie says. “By strengthening differentiated care models and addressing barriers to ART uptake, we can close the remaining gaps in HIV treatment and move closer to global targets.”
The research includes three peer-reviewed studies which provided evidence supporting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for differentiated HIV care delivery. These findings have direct implications for public health policy in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations, particularly as countries work toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for HIV elimination by 2030.