Rapid review of community pharmacies and potential for expanded access for the treatment of HIV infection and/or tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa

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dc.contributor.authorIzudi, Jonathan
dc.contributor.authorNg’oda, Maurine
dc.contributor.authorSekaggya-Wiltshire, Christine
dc.contributor.authorSammann, Amanda
dc.contributor.authorKiwanuka, Noah
dc.contributor.authorKing, Rachel
dc.contributor.authorCattamanchi, Adithya
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-19T08:19:51Z
dc.date.available2026-04-19T08:19:51Z
dc.date.issued2026-04-09
dc.descriptionThis review demonstrates that community pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa can effectively provide HIV and tuberculosis treatment. This model improves patient adherence, retention in care, and clinical outcomes, including enhanced viral suppression and CD4 counts. By increasing access to essential medicines and supporting continuity of care, this approach advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through innovative health service delivery, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by reaching underserved populations. These findings also align with the objectives of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, which emphasizes strengthened health systems, equitable healthcare access, and innovative service delivery to improve population health.
dc.description.abstractCommunity pharmacies (private retail drug shops or pharmacies) have emerged as promising platforms for antiretroviral therapy delivery. This rapid review synthesizes findings on using pharmacies to treat HIV infection and/or tuberculosis (TB), and it identifies lessons for expanding TB service delivery. We reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025 with adherence, retention in care, virologic suppression, prescription refill rates, and TB treatment access as outcomes. Of 314 articles screened, only 3 met the eligibility criteria (studies reporting pharmacies treating HIV infection and/or TB). Findings revealed improved CD4 cell counts; improved mean body weight; and higher rates of prescription refill (95–100%), retention (98%), and viral suppression (99%). Pharmacies have proven effective in delivering treatment for people with HIV and/or TB, highlighting their potential role in expanding TB treatment and related services in sub-Saharan Africa. However, pilot studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and implementation outcomes before broader implementation.
dc.description.sponsorshipFogarty International Center of the NIH (award no.K43TW012839).
dc.identifier.citationIzudi, J., Ng’oda, M., Sekaggya-Wiltshire, C., Sammann, A., Kiwanuka, N., King, R., & Cattamanchi, A. (2026). Rapid Review of Community Pharmacies and Potential for Expanded Access for the Treatment of HIV Infection and/or Tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
dc.identifier.issn1476-1645
dc.identifier.urihttps://dir.muni.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12260/963
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAmerican Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
dc.subjectCommunity pharmacies
dc.subjectHIV treatment access
dc.subjectTuberculosis care
dc.subjectSub-Saharan Africa
dc.subjectTask shifting healthcare
dc.titleRapid review of community pharmacies and potential for expanded access for the treatment of HIV infection and/or tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa
dc.typeArticle

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