Nl -den Haag, Netherlands

Health Systems and Policy Contexts of Medical Oxygen

The investigators will use a concurrent mixed-methods design, with an overarching comparative case study methodology. The investigators will adopt an iterative approach, using co-design to adapt the study methodology to the specific context of each country and annual learning team meetings with stakeholders to refine the final case study topics (sub-study 3) and methodology. Three embedded sub-studies are planned: Sub-study 1 (Stakeholder Analysis) aims to understand the policy environment for medical oxygen services across different country contexts. This will be informed by the MOXY baseline survey, which includes data on oxygen-related facility readiness and clinical practices across the MOXY program areas. Data sources will include stakeholder interviews with participants from different levels (national, provincial, local) and policy perspectives (government, implementing/advising partners, practitioners, beneficiaries). Results will inform sub-study 2 and MOXY program implementation. Sub-study 2 (Policy-Implementation Gap Analysis) aims to critically analyse the gap between policy intentions and actual implementation. This will be informed by the baseline facility readiness and clinical practice data. Data sources will include a desk review of oxygen-related policies, stakeholder in-depth interviews, and program administrative data. Results will inform implementation of country oxygen strategies and feed into prioritization of focus areas for sub-study 3. Sub-study 3 (Comparative Country Case Studies) aims to compare oxygen programs across countries, focusing on particular challenges or unique solutions identified in sub-study 1 and 2. Data sources will include repeated desk review of oxygen-related policies and program administrative data, follow-up stakeholder interviews, and triangulation with quantitative survey results on facility readiness and clinical practices. This research will also draw on national stakeholder dialogues - both to review, refine, and validate preliminary findings of the study team and to draw out feasible solutions/alternatives for both policy and practice and oxygen eco-system. In year 1 the investigators will generate key evidence about how the current strategies and polices are being translated into action, identifying key opportunities for implementing partners to focus support. Over years 2 and 3, the investigators will learn how these activities have affected medical oxygen service coverage, drawing lessons across country contexts and across different implementation approaches.

BGM and HbA1c POC Device Evaluation

The Combined FIFA 11+ and Change of Direction Training

HIV-1 Subtype-specific Drug Resistance in Patients Failing Dolutegravir (DTG) Based Regimen

With the expansion of access to Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC), there is an increase in HIV drug resistance. The previously recommended 1st-line regimen of Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and Efavirenz (TEE) contains three drugs with a low genetic barrier to resistance. As a result, acquired drug resistance mutations are detected in the majority of people on TEE across different regions and HIV-1 subtypes. There has also been a steady increase in Pre-treatment Drug Resistance (PDR) as ART coverage has expanded in LMIC. WHO now recommends the use of Dolutegravir (DTG) in 1st -, 2nd and 3rd-line ART for adults and adolescents. Therefore, in most countries, PLHIV are transitioned to a DTG-based regimen. DTG is a potent Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (InSTI) which has better efficacy and safety profile than Efavirenz in 1st-line therapy and Lopinavir/Ritonavir in 2nd-line therapy. DTG has a high genetic barrier to resistance, and resistance in ART-naïve individuals treated with combination ART has so far been rare. However, when used as monotherapy, or in people with pre-existing InSTI resistance, DTG is associated with a higher risk of virologic failure and resistance. In this study, the investigators aim to - 1. Identify novel mutations or novel combinations of DTG Drug Resistance Mutations (DRMs). 2. Identify risk factors for virologic failure, development of InSTI DRMs and InSTI drug resistance. 3. Check the correlations between novel resistance genotypes and phenotypic DTG resistance across HIV-1 subtypes. Adults (≥18 years) and adolescents (10-17 years) with virologic failure (viral load ≥1000 copies/mL) on any DTG-based anti-retroviral treatment (1st-line, 2nd-line and 3rd-line) at 20-30 clinical sites within six regions of the IeDEA cohort will be recruited into the study. There is only one study visit per participant and the study is observational and embedded in routine care, with no additional interventions. After obtaining informed consent, a blood specimen will be taken from the study participants. Whole genome sequencing will be performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform to identify the Drug Resistance Mutations. In addition, new DRMs and mutation pathways will be explored by viral genome-wide association study and conjunctive Bayesian network approaches.

DORAvirine Versus DOlutegravir Based Antiretroviral Regimens in Treatment-naïve People Living with HIV-1 Infection

Phase III, multicenter, open-label, randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial which aims to assess the non-inferiority of doravirine in association with tenofovir and lamivudine, as compared to dolutegravir in association with tenofovir and lamivudine or emtricitabine. This trial will be implemented in Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Mozambique and Thailand. Six hundred and ten patients will be enrolled and followed for 96 weeks after entry in the trial (=ART initiation). Primary endpoint will assess virological efficacy at Week 48, measured by the proportion of subjects achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, in HIV-1 infected, treatment-naive subjects with pre-treatment viral load (HIV-1 RNA) ≥ 1,000 copies/mL. Secondary endpoints are planned at W48 and W96.

Evaluation of a Multi-country Medical Oxygen Program

Medical oxygen is an essential medicine. Hypoxaemia is deadly, and increases the risk of death by 5-8 fold, requiring prompt recognition and oxygen therapy. Oxygen services are currently inequitable within and between countries, and this has been exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic. Children are especially vulnerable: in many contexts, fewer than 20% of children admitted to district hospitals with severe hypoxaemia receive oxygen. There are many barriers, at all levels, to ensuring that people who need oxygen will receive it- from delayed care-seeking and referral barriers to facility under-preparedness and over-burdened healthcare workers, to deficiencies in maintenance services, and community misconceptions and fears. Reliable access in rural and remote facilities poses even more challenges. The Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI), on the back of pre-existing close collaborations with Ministries of Health (MoH) has supported countries in tackling the oxygen access crises of the pandemic. Emerging from this, CHAI and MoH in 9 countries have amalgamated these efforts into a program targeted at improved access to oxygen in each country (the 'MOXY' program). The specific approaches are different in each country but broadly include efforts to: (1) strengthening policies, strategies, and governance of medical oxygen production, distribution, maintenance, and use; (2) building capacity of healthcare workers and technicians to use and maintain oxygen well, and (3) strengthening oxygen-related data acquisition and use for forecasting, budgeting, and monitoring. MOXY provides the first opportunity to learn from interventions specifically directed at addressing the oxygen problem at large scale, and across different settings (between and within countries). REAL-MOXY is a series of embedded mixed methods studies that aim to better understand the contexts into which oxygen interventions are being introduced; identify and interrogate mechanisms of how these systems work (or not work) to improve health outcomes, and their interaction with different contexts; and synthesise these findings to test and develop theories that can guide policy makers and clinicians in delivering more effective approaches to improve oxygen access. We will adopt a mixed methods design, with an iterative approach, and co-design to adapt the study methodology to the specific context of each country and facility. We have planned for 5 embedded sub-studies: The findings of sub-study 1 identifies the facilities that will contribute data (i.e., sequential); and then data collection and integration is concurrent in sub-studies 2-5. Sub-study 1 aims to identify facilities with high and low functioning oxygen systems, based on current pulse oximetry and oxygen-related clinical practices and facility oxygen readiness. We will use the results of a cross-sectional study already being conducted involving all health facilities in the MOXY catchment areas (part of the MOXY baseline assessment for which ethical approval is already in place). Results will inform facility selection for the subsequent mixed-methods studies. Sub-study 2 aims to map care pathways (as they are intended) for children (<15 years) with 4 hypothetical clinical scenarios in each participating facility. Data sources include direct observation of patient and equipment flow, and discussions with senior clinicians and managers. Maps to study questions i, ii, and iv. Sub-study 3 aims to follow patient journeys from arrival through the first 4 hours of care, to understand the sequence of care for acutely unwell children, including how pulse oximetry and oxygen are integrated with other aspects of emergency care. Data sources include direct observation of patients and health workers, patient/caregiver interviews and medical documentation. This sub-study is based in the initial assessment areas of facilities (e.g., emergency or outpatient units). Maps to study questions i, ii, and iv. Sub-study 4 aims to understand how pulse oximetry and oxygen are used by nurses and medical officers, why, and how this impacts on patient care. Data sources include direct observation of nursing practice, ward rounds, and medical documentation. This sub-study is based in an inpatient unit caring for children. Maps to study questions i, ii and iii. Sub-study 5 aims to understand the perspectives of a) patients/caregivers, b) healthcare workers, managers and biomedical engineers/technicians. Data sources include focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Maps to study questions i, ii, iii and iv.

Study of DAA Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Active HCV Infection in Cambodia

Non-comparative multicenter pilot therapeutic prospective study conducted in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and divided in 2 phases: Screening phase: First, all children aged more than 6 years old and adolescents under 18 years old will be screened for HCV infection using Bioline HCV rapid test in two paediatric populations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: 1/ children born from HIV/HCV co-infected women followed in OI/ART sites 2/ children hospitalized in paediatric department of Kantha Bopha Foundation Children's Hospitals and of the National Pediatric Hospital. HCV RNA will be performed in case of HCV rapid test positivity. A case-control study will be performed to evaluate the risk factors associated to HCV acquisition. Cases will be defined as children with positive HCV RDT and controls as children with negative HCV RDT. Four controls will be randomly selected for one case. Therapeutic phase: Children and adolescents confirmed with active HCV infection (positive HCV RNA) during the first phase will be referred to a specific consultation in Kantha Bopha hospital or National Pediatric Hospital for treatment after evaluation of liver disease. Patients with a weight > 25 kg will be treated with a sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination for 12 weeks with adult dose (400/60 mg), children with a weight between 14 and 25 kg will be treated with the same sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination with the half adult dose (200/30 mg) for 12 weeks. For all children and adolescents, residual plasma concentrations (trough concentrations) of the drugs will be assessed after 2 weeks of treatment. For the first 20 children and adolescents included (10 children weighing between 14 and 25 kg and 10 weighing more than 25 kg), whatever their HIV status and ARV treatment, a complete pharmacokinetic analysis will be performed prior to drug administration and +1h, +2h, +6h and +10h after drugs intake. A non-compartimental analysis using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 (Certara, Princeton, NJ, USA) will be performed to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of sofosbuvir, GS-331007 and daclatasvir. Maximal concentration (Cmax), trough concentration at steady state (Ct), minimal concentration (Cmin) and the time required to reach Cmax (Tmax) are the observed parameters. The area under the curve (AUCtau) will be estimated by the linear up log down trapezoidal method using the predose concentration as 24-hour postdose concentrations.

Infection Prevention and Control Intervention to Reduce Hospital-acquired Infections

This study consists of four phases guided by the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. Three hospitals from each country will be selected. In Phase 1, the investigators will conduct a gap analysis of IPC implementation and practices among HCWs at each hospital through desk review, direct observation of hand hygiene and LLDE practices, in-depth interviews with HCWs, and key informant interviews with stakeholders. In Phase 2, the investigators will develop an IPC intervention based on results from Phase 1 and interventions selected from the literature review of IPC interventions in LMICs. In Phase 3, the investigators will pilot the developed intervention in the same hospitals selected in Phase 1. Finally, in Phase 4, the investigators will assess the feasibility and acceptability of the developed intervention among HCWs and stakeholders at the selected hospitals. The investigators will employ the MRC framework to develop and evaluate an intervention to reduce HAIs in both countries. The investigators will also use a theoretical framework to explore factors that are barriers and enablers for HCWs to improve hand hygiene compliance. With these approaches, the investigators will be able to develop a comprehensive intervention. Findings from this study would shed light on promising IPC interventions to reduce HAI incidence in Cambodia and Lao PDR. More importantly, the findings may be applied to other LMIC settings.

Community-Based Model for Delivery of Antiretroviral Therapy in Cambodia

One of the challenges in the Cambodian HIV response is the relatively low rate of retention in care and viral load suppression among people living with HIV on ART. According to a report from the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD (NCHADS), by the end of September 2017, approximately 98% (n= 58,268) of people living with HIV diagnosed in the whole country were initiated on ART. Of them, 75% were virally suppressed, and 89% were retained on the treatment 12 months after the treatment initiation. Similarly, a recent study conducted by KHANA Center for Population Research in 11 ART clinics across the country found that the rate of viral suppression among adolescents living with HIV aged 15-17 was 76.8%. To date, ART in Cambodia has been administered only at the government ART clinics. Nationally, there are 66 ART Clinics in 22 of the 25 provinces. Making a trip to an ART clinic on a monthly or bimonthly basis to receive repeated prescriptions poses a heavy burden on the clients in terms of both time and money. Besides, as the Global Fund Funding Request points out (pp.7-8), besides self-stigma, people living with HIV and key populations continue to face stigma and discrimination in their communities, in accessing health and other services, and at the household level. Furthermore, under the current scheme, the necessity for the ART clinics to meet the demand of all of the ART clients, including the stable clients who visit bi-monthly, is a huge burden on the facilities and the service providers. Fewer client visits per given timeframe are expected to help the health workers spend more time per visiting client and improve the service quality. Community-based service delivery has been an integral part of the response to HIV in other parts of the world. Cambodia's national HIV program acknowledges the major contribution of such an approach, including the proposed CAD model. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that stable ART clients can safely reduce the frequency of clinic visits, potentially receiving ART in community settings. Researches from other contexts have also suggested that communities can be engaged to provide ART with good outcomes. Most CAD models have been demonstrated to reduce burdens for patients and the health systems, increased retention in care, and lower service provider costs. KHANA and its partners, including NCHADS, believe that an adaptation of an ART delivery model that meaningfully includes community-based services will be essential, particularly as the national program intensifies case-finding and the "Treat All" approach, to meet the national targets. KHANA has been a leader of the country's community-led HIV response and was one of the key members in developing the "Consolidated Operational Framework on Community Action Approach to Implement B-IACM towards achieving 90-90-90 in Cambodia (Community Action Framework)" of NCHADS. For the past 20 years, KHANA has supported the capacity building of the HIV-affected communities, who now bring invaluable contributions to the design of the HIV response in Cambodia. The Community Action Framework aims to ensure the continued participation of the communities, thus strengthening the health system and empowering the HIV-affected communities. The current Global Fund-supported project applies this framework to detect undiagnosed people living with HIV by promoting HIV testing and counseling in the communities and improve the HIV care cascade. KHANA sees an opportunity to extend this framework's application in the form of CAD with the support of the 5% Initiative. The Community Action Framework has a section on CAD; however, there is a need to operationalize this model and demonstrating its applicability in the Cambodian context. The proposed project will develop a CAD model considering the evidence and findings of previous studies, the Cambodian local context, and the principles set by the national HIV program. As an operational research project, it will be implemented to reach approximately 2,000 people living with HIV who are categorized as 'stable' (on ART for 12 months or more, clinically stable, undetectable viral load) in nine selected ART clinics, five urban and four rural, in the five provinces. In total, 82 community-based ART groups will be established, with approximately 25 members in each group. The designated CAW will coordinate the groups with technical support from five project assistants, one per province. In the architecture of the current Global Fund-supported project, the Community-Based Prevention, Care and Support (CBPCS) are implemented for people living with HIV in greatest needs and other target populations by civil society organization (CSO) workers at the ART clinics; i.e., Community Action Counsellors (CAC), Facility-Based Workers (FBW) and CAW. They will contribute to the daily facility activities and perform outreach work as needed. CAWs are assigned to 37 ART sites, and their responsibilities will include: a) provision of case management and support for people living with HIV in greatest needs (e.g., people living with HIV who are newly enrolled in ART, pregnant women, children under five years and adolescents) to improve drug adherence, missed appointment issues or treatment failure and b) being in contact with Village Health Support Groups (VHSG) to encourage HIV testing and counseling and trace new cases. The administration of CAD fits well in the function of CAW. The project is strategized around three key areas as follows: 1. Bringing ART closer to the people living with HIV This innovative CAD model's main concept is that the community-based ART provision brings the treatment to come closer to people living with HIV. It is made possible by CAW who bring pre-packed ARV refill and various support services to the members of Community ART Groups. A technology-based tool using tablets will be introduced to the CAW as educational materials and monitoring tools. Accessibility of ARV distribution points is crucial to the success of this scheme. Therefore, the distribution points will be located at the monthly meeting sites of the local self-help groups. Stable ART clients who are members of the scheme will visit the designated ART clinic for consultation and viral load monitoring every six months. The project will also work to reactivate the existing savings initiative within such self-help groups to contribute to such community groups' sustainability. Linkages with the designated ART clinics will be strengthened through capacity-building activities, coaching, and mentoring. Training will be provided to the relevant ART clinic staff members on the new CAD model's overall objectives and on the roles they will play in the project implementation. Gender, age, and populations are parameters that are expected to determine the effectiveness of the model significantly. The project will have mixed-gender groups and population-specific groups (e.g., male, female, transgender women, men who have sex with men). The project design will also consider the special needs of different population groups such as female entertainment workers (FEWs) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) more broadly. 2. Evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of the project findings and lessons learned The project will provide an opportunity to generate various program findings, evidence and lessons learned, which will be documented and disseminated through: - Routine data collection for project monitoring and harmonization with/integration into the B-IACM approach and national ART database system. - Case study documentation per site and comparative analyses. - Presentations at national HIV/AIDS Technical Working Group meetings to support knowledge sharing and replication of the model. - Dissemination of the findings nationally to the Ministry of Health and other national and international stakeholders to inform evidence-based policy dialogues. - Presentations at national, regional, and international scientific conferences. - Operational reports and international peer-reviewed publications.

Micro RNA as Prediction and/or Prognostic Markers of IRIS in TB-HIV Co-infected Patients