From Adherence To HIV Control : Enhancing adolescent care through comprehensive youth-friendly services in Cameroon

Over the last decade, the number of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) who have achieved viral suppression has increased.

• A 2022 study reported a viral suppression rate of 63% among adolescents, using a definition of <50 copies/mL, while 84% have a suppressed viral load (<1,000 copies/mL) (2).

• In 2023, data from the National AIDS Control Committee reported that 41% of adolescents on ART achieved viral load suppression (3).

• The country has not attained the UNAIDS target to have 95% vital suppression in 2022 (4). • Poor adherence is widely documented as being responsible for the large gap in VL suppression.

• “Scale Up Adolescent-Friendly Services” is the most cost-effective option, achieving the high est VLS (10,229) and the largest increase (2,161) at the lowest cost per additional adolescent ($258.70).

• Other options show lower impact: “Strength ening Mental Health Services” achieves 9,350 VLS with a higher cost per adolescent ($425.32), while “Therapeutic Education” has the smallest VLS increase (892) and highest cost per adoles cent ($623.04).