BMJ open
HIV care cascade of adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
By Silinda P, Baloyi S, Maluleke K and 3 others.
Abstract
Objectives
Tracking the progress of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets is essential for evaluating HIV programme performance and improving outcomes across all subpopulations, age groups and geographical settings. We conducted a systematic review and synthesis of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets among adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Design
The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist.
Data sources
The search was conducted from the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, African Index Medicus (AIM) and African Journals Online (AJOL) and grey literature sources. Eligibility criteria: Articles that were published from 2015 to 2025 reported progress on at least one of the 95-95-95 targets were searched. We performed meta-analysis using WHO-defined AYA age bands (10-14, 15-19 and 20-24 years) and supplementary analysis of age bands of the included studies. Data extraction and synthesis: Full-text articles were downloaded from Rayyan software and data extraction was performed independently for each included study. We pooled independent study estimates and calculated 95% CIs intervals using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed at individual study level using the adapted Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool.