Trends of HIV Infection and Progress Towards the 95-95-95 Targets in Gambella Regional State from 2019 to 2023, Southwest ETHIOPIA.

Background: In 2022, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections, 630,000 AIDS-related deaths, and 39.0 million HIV-positive individuals worldwide. To put the world on track to eradicate AIDS by 2030, there are ambitious goals and commitments for 2025. However, the likelihood of these goals being met or even close to being met is highly dependent on the trend of new HIV infection, the prevalence of the disease, the commitment and capability of leaders, and the application of the planned strategies to achieve the goal.

Objective: To look trend of HIV infection is changing and how far we have come toward the three 95-95-95 goals in Gambella Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods: From August 1 to August 20, 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. This study included all HIV testing service clients who were enrolled in HIV care and treatment and had viral load records or tests. The data were gathered from the electronic form of the territorial reports of District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS-2). Reviewing regional DHIS-2, a standardized checklist was used. Epi-Data version 3.1 software was used to enter the data. SPSS version 25 was used for the analysis. The proposed objectives' trend was described using a descriptive statistic.

Results: The number of people living with HIV decreased by 4.5%, new HIV infections decreased by 42.28% and adult HIV prevalence decreased from 4.37% to 3.69% between 2019 and 2023. The finding showed that the region progress toward the 95-95-95 goals was 73%, 75% and 95% in 2023.

Conclusion: In the Gambella region, HIV testing services and linking HIV-positive cases to HIV treatment have increased. Despite the good progress toward achieving the three 95 targets; first 95 targets for HIV diagnosis are impractical. As a result, adequate attention is required.