Immaculata Kessy, HIV/TB Technical Lead for Global Programs Tanzania, presented recent findings on barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people living with HIV in Tanzania at the International Conference on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis, and Prevention Research (INTEREST) held in Dar es Salaam in May 2026.
Her poster, “Barriers and Facilitators to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence among Virally Unsuppressed People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania, 2025,” shared results from a qualitative assessment conducted as part of the Enhanced Adherence Counselling (EAC) program assessment.
The assessment included in-depth interviews with 51 people living with HIV across three regions of Tanzania. Participants had viral loads above 1,000 copies and had not successfully engaged with EAC services. The study explored the socioeconomic, behavioral, psychosocial, clinical, and health-system factors that influence ART adherence and continued engagement in care.
Findings highlighted several commonly cited barriers, including food insecurity, transportation costs, forgetfulness, stigma, and experiences with judgmental counseling. At the same time, participants identified key facilitators that supported adherence, including socioeconomic support, family and community support, and non-judgmental counseling.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing adherence not only as a clinical issue, but also as one shaped by daily living conditions, trust, stigma, and the quality of patient-provider interactions. By elevating the voices of people living with HIV who are experiencing challenges with viral suppression, this work provides practical insight for strengthening EAC services and improving long-term engagement in HIV care.
The research was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tanzania's National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Programme (NASHCoP). Christen Said, UCSF's In-Country Program Manager for Global Strategic Information (GSI) projects in Tanzania, is a co-author.