HBC programmes in low and middle-income countries have evolved over the course of the past two decades in response to the HIV epidemic. This review uses lessons learnt to assess whether the necessary conditions are in place to effectively expand sustainable HBC programmes in the context of greater access to ART.
Although considerable commitment has so far been demonstrated to delivering comprehensive HBC programmes, their effectiveness is often hindered by weak linkages with other HIV services. Top-down donor policies and a lack of sustainable and consistent funding strategies represent a formidable threat to these programmes in the long-term.
The benefits of HBC programmes that incorporate ART care are unlikely to be replicated on a larger scale unless donors and policymakers address issues related to human resources, health service linkages and community preparedness. Innovative and sustainable funding policies are needed to support HBC programmes if they are to effectively complement national ART programmes in the long-term.
You can read the review in full here.