Muhammad Azwar, Zainuddin Zainuddin, Yuding Gassing, Munadhir Munadhir, Ibnul Al Jauzi Amri, Yuliyanti Setiawati

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS AND PROGRAMMATIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR HIV/AIDS CONTROL TO ACHIEVE THE 95-95-95 STRATEGY

Introduction

Situational analysis and programmatic needs assessment for hiv/aids control to achieve the 95-95-95 strategy . Situational analysis & needs assessment for HIV/AIDS control in Makassar, Indonesia, targeting the 95-95-95 strategy. Uncover barriers and propose community-based programmatic interventions.

Abstract

The 95-95-95 strategy aims to control the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) HIV/AIDS epidemic by ensuring that 95% of People Living With HIV (PLHIV) know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Despite national commitments, Indonesia’s progress especially in South Sulawesi remains below target. This study assessed the HIV/AIDS program situation and needs in Makassar City using a rapid assessment with a mixed-methods approach, prioritizing quantitative data. A total of 96 respondents completed structured questionnaires, and 13 individuals participated in focus group discussions. Findings indicate persistent barriers to testing, treatment access, and adherence, including stigma, low health literacy, side effects, and inadequate support systems. While some PLHIV reported consistent treatment and clinical improvement, non-adherence was still observed. Programmatic needs include targeted health education, supportive policies for key populations, improved communication skills among outreach workers, and non-discriminatory health services. Addressing these gaps requires community-based, evidence-driven interventions to optimize the HIV care continuum. Strengthening stakeholder collaboration and tailoring programs to the real needs of key populations are crucial to accelerate progress toward achieving the 95-95-95 targets and ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Review

This study presents a timely and relevant situational analysis and programmatic needs assessment for HIV/AIDS control in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, a region where progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets remains below national commitments. The paper effectively utilizes a rapid assessment, mixed-methods approach, prioritizing quantitative data from 96 respondents alongside qualitative insights from 13 FGD participants. This methodological choice provides a robust snapshot of the existing challenges and contributes valuable local context to the broader global effort to combat the HIV epidemic. The findings reveal persistent barriers across the HIV care continuum, encompassing issues related to testing, treatment access, and adherence. Key obstacles identified include pervasive stigma, low health literacy, side effects of antiretroviral therapy, and inadequate support systems, which collectively undermine efforts to achieve viral suppression. While the study notes instances of consistent treatment and clinical improvement among some People Living With HIV (PLHIV), it also acknowledges significant challenges with non-adherence. The programmatic needs highlighted are critical and actionable, advocating for targeted health education, supportive policies for key populations, enhanced communication skills among outreach workers, and the provision of non-discriminatory health services. The strength of this assessment lies in its practical implications for policy and intervention design. By pinpointing specific barriers and programmatic gaps, the study provides a clear roadmap for developing community-based, evidence-driven interventions. The emphasis on strengthening stakeholder collaboration and tailoring programs to the real needs of key populations is particularly crucial for accelerating progress toward the 95-95-95 targets and the ambitious goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. This research serves as a valuable resource for local health authorities, policymakers, and implementers seeking to optimize the HIV care continuum in similar contexts.

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