Trends and spatial distribution of low-level viremia among Ugandan children and adolescents, 2014–2023

PLoS ONE 2026 Open access

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Authors: Janet Kobusinge Lubega, Patrick Twesigye, Richard Migisha, Lilian Bulage, Benon Kwesiga, Proscovia M. Nambuya, Isaac Sewanyana, Eleanor Namusoke Magongo, Alex Riolexus Ario
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339549
Cited by: 0
References: 20

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Low-level viremia (LLV) is as an early warning signal for treatment failure and onward transmission risk. Uganda has achieved major progress in expanding viral load (VL) testing coverage, yet the burden and trends of LLV among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) remain insufficiently described. This study assessed national LLV prevalence, temporal trends, and regional distribution from 2014-2023 to guide pediatric HIV program planning. METHODS: We analyzed routine VL data from Uganda's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) housed at the Central Public Health Laboratories for CALHIV aged 0-19 years with VL results between 2014 and 2023. Viral suppression was defined as

Fields of Study & Subjects

HIV Research and Treatment HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
PLoS ONE
Volume
21
Issue
6
Pages
e0339549–e0339549
Publication date
18 June 2026
Language
EN