Virologic Response among Key Populations Living With HIV following a Switch to Dolutegravir-Based Regimen in Southern Nigeria

Background: Achieving optimal virologic suppression among key population groups is essential to HIV epidemic control.The recommendation to transition HIV positive key populations from efavirenz-based regimen (Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Efavirenz (TLE)) to dolutegravir-based regimen (Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Dolutegravir (TLD)) considered the effectiveness of dolutegravir in achieving suppressed viral loads within a short period of time.The aim of this study was to investigate the virologic outcome of key populations (KP) transitioned to dolutegravir-based regimen. Setting:Five key population (KP) treatment facilities in Southern Nigeria.Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study using secondary level program data.Eligible KP were clients already on TLE for at least 6 months, transitioned to TLD based on the new national HIV treatment guideline recommending TLD as the new first line treatment for HIV clients.We implemented a phased transition schedule switching clients from efavirenz to dolutegravir based regimen.We assigned clients to transitioned and delayed transition groups based on available secondary data from a retention and audit determination tool (RADET).Viral load test was conduct-