They analyzed data from 3,265 facilities with a median annual size of 441 lab-monitored HIV patients. Retention 12 months after presentation increased from 42 percent to 47 percent during the study period, and viral suppression increased from 66 percent to 79 percent, although there was substantial variability across facilities.

The authors observed persistent differences in HIV care and treatment outcomes across South African facilities, with higher quality for clinics (versus hospitals), in rural (versus urban) areas and for larger facilities. To remedy these disparities, they recommend targeting low-performing facilities for additional support to reduce the overall burden of the disease.

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