Faith-based organisations in providing HIV services within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a systematic review

To end the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic by 2030, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) proposes that 95% of people living with HIV should be diagnosed, 95% of those with a diagnosis should be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression. To attain these targets, UNAIDS estimates that community-based HIV services should increase from 5% to 30%. Within low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), faith-based organisations (FBOs) often possess broad societal influence and extensive reach. Thus, many major AIDS organisations expect the collaboration between health and faith sectors to strengthen community-based HIV services. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of existing FBO-based interventions in delivering HIV services.

To assess and evaluate the role of FBOs in the provision of HIV services within LMICs, and the associated barriers and challenges they may face.