O-04 The Role of Recency Testing and Linkage to Care in Enhancing Viral Suppression in Guyana

Methods: This observational study included 120 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV across Regions 4 and 5. Recency testing was conducted using samples processed at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL). Of the confirmed cases, 23 were identified as recent infections after verification. All participants were linked to care and initiated on dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Viral load measurements were recorded at baseline, six months, and one year. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression to assess associations between recency status, care linkage, and treatment outcomes. Ethical approval was obtained

Results: There were 23 Positives out of 150 test, 15.3 % positivity rate, with more females than males- 91.3%. 100% linkage to care and ART initiation. Baseline viral loads ranged from 704 to 1,820,000 copies/mL. Following treatment, viral loads demonstrated reductions of 80–95% at six months p=0.00. By the one-year mark, 95% of participants achieved viral suppression below 1,000 copies/mL. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between early treatment initiation on ART and viral load suppression with an odds ration of better viral suppression with ages below 30 years, and high viral load.

Conclusion: Recency testing proved instrumental in identifying individuals at high risk, facilitating rapid linkage to care, and optimizing treatment outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of integrating recency testing into routine HIV programs as a tool for improving epidemiological tracking, addressing gaps in care, and contributing to global HIV elimination goals.