Title:
THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES IN STRENGTHENING HIV CONTINUUM OF CARE IN TANZANIA: LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors:
MANYOGOTE, FELIX RICHARD
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2025
PAGE:
68
Language:
En
Subject:
mHealth in Low-Resource Settings
Keywords:
Digital health, M-health (mobile health), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), HIV Continuum of Care
Abstract:
Introduction: The HIV epidemic remains a critical public health challenge in Tanzania, with substantial gaps along the HIV Continuum of Care from diagnosis to viral suppression particularly in rural and underserved populations. Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) have emerged as innovative tools with the potential to strengthen healthcare delivery systems. This review explores how DHTs have been utilized to enhance the HIV Continuum of Care in Tanzania, synthesizing evidence to inform policy and programmatic strategies. Methodology: This study employed a comprehensive literature review design guided by the HIV Continuum of Care framework. A total of 623 articles published between 2010 and May 2025 were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords like “digital health,” “HIV,” and “Tanzania.” After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 38 studies were included for final analysis. Data were extracted using a standardized form, focusing on intervention type, target population, stage of care addressed, and reported outcomes. Results: Digital health interventions identified included mHealth solutions (SMS reminders, chatbots, mobile apps), electronic health records (EHRs), HIV self-testing kits, telemedicine platforms, biometric systems, and real-time adherence tools. These technologies primarily targeted early and middle stages of the HIV care cascade, including diagnosis, linkage to care, and ART adherence. Fewer interventions addressed ART initiation and viral suppression. Key facilitators of digital health uptake included strong government policy frameworks, mobile phone penetration, and locally tailored innovations. However, barriers such as infrastructure limitations, digital literacy gaps, fragmentation of digital systems, and data privacy concerns were also identified. Conclusion: Generally, digital health technologies show great promise for improving HIV continuum care in Tanzania. However, to maximize impact, more focus is needed on overcoming systemic barriers. A holistic, equity-driven approach is key to advancing national HIV goals and universal health coverage.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute, VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Tanzania
Region:
East Africa
Training:
Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity (MPH-HE)
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2025 MANYOGOTE
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
Z2I96o3Jpb_2025121613253046.pdf