Transforming Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outcomes: Impact of a Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Model on Linkage to Care and Viral Suppression in Memphis, Tennessee.

BACKGROUND

In May 2024, a locally tailored, multicomponent rapid antiretroviral therapy intervention-Connextion-was launched in Memphis, Tennessee, a priority jurisdiction of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US initiative. This study assessed its impact on time to care linkage and viral suppression among newly diagnosed individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS

We included adults newly diagnosed with HIV between January 2022 and May 2025 at participating Connextion sites, who were identified through the Tennessee Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for time to linkage to care, defined as the interval from diagnosis to the first recorded CD4+ cell count or HIV RNA level and time to viral suppression, defined as the interval from diagnosis to the first HIV RNA level <200 copies/mL.

RESULTS

We included 278 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV; median age was 30 years, 71% were male, 75% were Black non-Hispanic, and 41% identified as men who have sex with men. In the post-implementation period (beginning June 2024), there was a significant increase in the adjusted probability of linkage to care (aHR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.31-2.36]) and viral suppression (aHR, 4.22 [95% CI, 2.67-6.69]).

CONCLUSIONS

After implementation of Connextion, there was a reduction in time to linkage to care and viral suppression. Future plans include expanding the intervention to additional HIV testing and treatment sites in Memphis and broadening eligibility to include people living with HIV who are out of care.