Integrated community-based versus facility-based care for people with HIV,
Summary
Integrated community-based versus facility-based care for people with HIV, diabetes, and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa (INTE-COMM): an open-label, multicountry, cluster-randomised trial The Lancet 2026 Articles Integrated community-based versus facility-based care for people with HIV, diabetes, and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa (INTE-COMM): an open-label, multicountry, cluster-randomised trial Francis X Kasujja, Faith Aikaeli, Anupam Garrib, Erik van Widenfelt, Ivan Namakoola, Sokoine
Content
# Integrated community-based versus facility-based care for people with HIV, diabetes, and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa (INTE-COMM): an open-label, multicountry, cluster-randomised trial
*The Lancet 2026*
Articles
Integrated community-based versus facility-based care for
people with HIV, diabetes, and hypertension in
sub-Saharan Africa (INTE-COMM): an open-label,
multicountry, cluster-randomised trial
Francis X Kasujja*, Faith Aikaeli*, Anupam Garrib*, Erik van Widenfelt, Ivan Namakoola, Sokoine Kivuyo, James A Prior, Josephine Birungi,
Faith Moyo, Duolao Wang, Stavia Turyahabwe, Gerald Mutungi, Mina Nakawuka Ssali, Omary Said Ubuguyu, Stephen Watiti, Said Aboud,
Marie Claire Van Hout, Geoff Gill, Nelson K Sewankambo, Peter G Smith, Sayoki Mfinanga, Kaushik Ramaiya†, Moffat J Nyirenda†,
Shabbar Jaffar†, on behalf of the RESPOND-AFRICA Group‡
Summary
Lancet 2026; 407: 1084–94 Background In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden of diabetes and hypertension is high, alongside a high prevalence of
See Comment page 1033 HIV. Whether these conditions can be managed in an integrated way in the community is unknown. We aim to
compare integrated community-based care with integrated facility-based care for people with HIV, diabetes, and
*Joint first authors
hypertension in Tanzania and Uganda.
†Contributed equally
‡Members listed at the end of
the Article Methods This open-label, multicountry, cluster-randomised trial was conducted in 14 primary care facilities across
Medical Research Council/ Tanzania and Uganda. Adults aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of HIV, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension (or a
Uganda Virus Research combination); receiving regular care at the health facility for at least 6 months; considered clinically stable; living
Institute, London School of within the catchment area and planning to stay for at least 6 months; and willing to receive care in the community
Hygiene & Tropical Medicine,
were enrolled. In each facility, patients were grouped into clusters of 8–14. Each group was randomly assigned (1:1)
Uganda Research Unit,
Entebbe, Uganda using an online data management system, to integrated facility care or community care. In facility care, participants
(F X Kasujja PhD, shared the same registration and waiting areas, were managed by the same physicians and health-care workers, and
I Namakoola MSc, J Birungi MSc, used the same pharmacy and laboratory services. In community care, a nurse and a trained lay worker supported the
Prof M J Nyirenda PhD); Global
groups at focal points in the community with groups meeting once per month. Follow-up was 12 months. The first
Health and Migration Unit,
Department of Women’s and coprimary endpoint was a composite of blood pressure or fasting glucose control (defined as blood pressure
Children’s Health, International <140/90 mm Hg in participants with hypertension alone, fasting glucose <7·0 mmol/L in those with diabetes alone,
Maternal, and Child Health, or both indicators controlled in those with both conditions) and the second was plasma viral load suppression for
Uppsala University, Uppsala,
participants with HIV alone (defined as <1000 copies per mL or undetectable viral load). Both endpoints were assessed
Sweden (F X Kasujja); National
Institutes for Medical Research, in the intention-to-treat population. Generalised estimating equation models accounted for clustering. This trial was
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN15319595 (completed).
(F Aikaeli MSc, S Kivuyo MPhil,
Prof S Aboud PhD,
Findings Between Jan 30 and Oct 6, 2023, 2940 patients with HIV, diabetes, or hypertension (or a combination of
Prof S Mfinanga PhD);
Department of Public Health, these conditions) who lived close enough together to be placed into a group were identified as having appointments
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical to attend at the participating facilities. 765 (26·0%) patients were not screened and 2175 (74·0%) were screened for
University, Kilimanjaro, eligibility. 203 (9·3%) patients were ineligible, four (0·2%) did not consent, and 104 (4·8%) could not be grouped
Tanzania (F Aikaeli); Institute
into viable clusters. 1864 (63·4%) patients were assigned into 124 groups, and groups were randomised (62 to
for Global Health, University
College London, London, UK community care and 62 to facility care). There were more females than males (1302 [76·6%] of 1700 vs 398 [23·4%]).
(A Garrib MSc, Among those with diabetes or hypertension (or both), 38 (6·3%) of 602 in the community care group versus 43 (7·1%)
E van Widenfelt BSc,
of 609 in the facility care group were excluded, with nine (3·7%) of 242 versus ten (4·0%) of 247 excluded among
Prof S Mfinanga,
participants with HIV. The composite of blood pressure or fasting glucose control did not significantly differ
Prof S Jaffar PhD); Department
of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool between the two groups in participants with hypertension or diabetes (or both; 317 [55·2%] of 574 in the community
School of Tropical Medicine, care group vs 304 [53·2%] of 571 in the facility care group; adjusted risk difference 1·80 [95% CI –4·52 to 8·12];
Liverpool, UK (A Garrib,
p=0·58), whereas most participants with HIV alone reached viral suppression (227 [99·1%] of 229
Prof D Wang PhD,
vs 229 (98·7%) of 232; adjusted risk difference 0·44 [–1·12 to 1·99]; p <0·0001). There were seven deaths in
Prof G Gill PhD); Barcelona non-inferiority
Institute for Global Health each study group.
Hospital Clinic, University of
Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Interpretation In sub-Saharan Africa, integrated community care could reach a high standard of care for people with
(S Kivuyo); School of Medicine,
Keele University, Keele, UK diabetes or hypertension without adversely affecting outcomes for people with HIV.
(J A Prior PhD); Midlands
Partnership University NHS Funding National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK
(J A Prior); AIDS Support
Organisation, Mulago Hospital Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0
Complex, Kampala, Uganda license.
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(J Birungi); School of
Research in context Psychology and Public Health,
Evidence before this study designs and quality of implementation were varied. We La Trobe University,
We previously conducted a cluster-randomised trial comparing searched PubMed using the terms (“HIV” OR “diabetes” OR Melbourne, VIC, Australia
(J Birungi); Bradford Institute
integrated facility care with standard vertical facility care “hypertension”) AND “community care” AND “systematic
for Health Research, Bradford
(ie, organised separately) for patients with HIV, diabetes, and review” OR “trial” AND “Africa”. We found 12 studies showing Teaching Hospitals NHS
hypertension in Tanzania and Uganda. We showed that that care provided by non-clinical community health-care Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
integrated facility care was as effective as standard facility care workers improved rates of HIV viral suppression, increased (F Moyo PhD); Communicable
Disease Prevention and
in terms of clinical indicators (HIV viral suppression, blood engagement with HIV health-care delivery, and contributed
Control, Ministry of Health,
pressure, and fasting blood glucose control among patients effectively to improved HIV care delivery compared with facility Kampala, Uganda
living with HIV, hypertension, and diabetes, respectively), and care. In 2023, another scoping review showed that there were (S Turyahabwe MPH); Non-
retention in care and was a cost-saving approach for patients insufficient data on diabetes models of care in sub-Saharan Communicable Diseases
Control Programme, Ministry
and health services by reducing service duplication. This finding Africa. There was more evidence on community care for
of Health, Kampala, Uganda
has led to changes in policies for health care of chronic patients with hypertension, although this evidence was (G Mutungi MPH); AIDS Control
conditions in Uganda with changes also expected in Tanzania in considered weak in a 2024 systematic review. There were no Programme, Ministry of
2026. The prevalence of diabetes is around 5% and studies or reviews assessing integrated community care. Health, Kampala, Uganda
(M Nakawuka Ssali MPH);
hypertension is around 25% in most urban and peri-urban
Added value of this study Non-Communicable Disease
settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Few patients with these Control Programme, Ministry
This study is the first to assess integrated community care for
conditions are in care and for those who are receiving care, their of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
blood pressure and glucose control are both inadequate. patients with multiple chronic conditions (specifically HIV, (O Said Ubuguyu MMed);
diabetes, and hypertension) and the largest trial within National Forum of People
Strategies are needed for increasing service reach and
community care for any health condition. The study provides Living with HIV Networks in
improving accessibility for people with chronic conditions who Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
rigorous evidence of both community and integrated care.
require repeated care. With this issue in mind, policy makers (S Watiti); South East
asked the research team for the evaluation of integrated Implications of all the available evidence Technological University,
Waterford, Ireland
community care for patients with HIV, diabetes, and The study findings can be used as robust evidence for policy
(Prof M C Van Hout PhD);
hypertension including services delivered at community points, makers to consider scale-up of integrated care for patients with Makerere University, College of
such as places of worship and schools. Before starting this study HIV, diabetes, and hypertension at the community level in sub- Health Sciences, Kampala,
Uganda
we conducted a scoping review, but could not identify any Saharan Africa. As the burden of non-communicable diseases
(Prof N K Sewankambo MMed);
studies assessing the management of multiple chronic rises, integrated community management is likely to be a
International Statistics and
conditions using integrated community care. For managing crucial and cost-effective approach that improves access and Epidemiology Group, London
single conditions, research found that patient outcomes, such helps to decongest health facilities, particularly for people with School of Hygiene & Tropical
Medicine, London, UK
as HIV viral suppression rates, did not differ significantly common multiple chronic conditions.
(Prof P G Smith DSc); Tanzania
between community and facility care, although the study
NCD Alliance, Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
(Prof K Ramaiya MMed);
Research and Training Unit,
Introduction programmes. These included adherence counselling, Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital,
In sub-Saharan Africa, around 2 million premature consistent medical records, patient tracing systems, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
deaths each year are attributed to diabetes or improved medicine supply chains being extended to (Prof K Ramaiya)
hypertension, or both, and fewer than 20% of individuals diabetes and hypertension care. Correspondence to:
Prof Shabbar Jaffar, Institute for
with these conditions are estimated to be in regular care.1 This model was evaluated in a large single-arm cohort
Global Health, University College
Most people with HIV are receiving treatment and reach study4 and then in a cluster-randomised trial.5 We showed London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
effective viral control with a life expectancy similar to that integrated management was associated with high s.jaffar@ucl.ac.uk
those without HIV;2 however, health-care services for retention in care for people with diabetes or hypertension
HIV operate in parallel to other chronic disease services, (or both), without compromising outcomes for those
with separate systems for financing, procurement, with HIV. Integrated care was also cost saving for
patient support, monitoring, and delivery of care.3 This patients and health services when compared with
vertical approach was crucial for scaling up HIV services, standard vertical care and was popular with patients,
but has led to duplicated efforts and low cross-programme possibly by reducing HIV-related stigma.5–7
learning. However, although we identified a more efficient and
To address this issue, we partnered with health services effective approach for managing chronic conditions at
and civil society in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and the health facilities, the growing burden of diabetes and
Kampala region in Uganda, to combine the care of HIV, hypertension alongside the ongoing HIV epidemic
diabetes, and hypertension within primary health-care continue to overwhelm facility-based services. Community
facilities. As part of this model, patients with any of these HIV care delivered by nurses and trained workers has
conditions (whether occurring individually or in expanded service reach,8–10 but the impact shown on HIV
combination) were managed in a single clinic that outcomes has been inconsistent in larger trials.11,12
incorporated best practices adapted from HIV Whether community-based services could help to manage
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people with multiple chronic conditions and varying All patients were managed by public health-care staff
clinical profiles and levels of stigma remains unclear. and invited back to health facilities in their groups,
Here, we aim to compare integrated community-based usually 1–2 weeks after enrolment. We held question-
care with integrated facility-based care for people with and-answer sessions to assess patient understanding and
HIV, diabetes, and hypertension in Tanzania and to improve their knowledge of the study procedures,
Uganda.13 including randomisation. All patients provided written
informed consent.
See Online for appendix Methods The protocol is available in the appendix (pp 12–41) and
Study design and participants was approved by ethics committees at the National
This open-label, multicountry, cluster-randomised Institute for Medical Research (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
(INTE-COMM) trial was conducted in 14 medium-to- number NIMR/HQ/R·8a/VolIX/3977), Uganda Virus
large sized primary care facilities across urban and Research Institute (Entebbe, Uganda; number
peri-urban catchment areas in Dar es Salaam and coastal GC/127/872), London School of Hygiene & Tropical
regions of Tanzania and in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mpigi Medicine (London, UK; number 28122), and University
districts of Uganda. College London (London, UK; number 2382/01). This
As integrated management of these chronic conditions trial was registered with the International Standard
was not standard, we established facility integrated care Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry,
for people with HIV, diabetes, and hypertension at ISRCTN15319595 (completed).
participating sites, with participants managed by
government health-care staff. Six of the facilities (in Randomisation and masking
Uganda) had participated in earlier integration studies In each health facility, eligible patients were grouped into
and maintained the model after the trial.6,14 Procedures clusters of around 8–14 (2:1 ratio of those with diabetes or
were reviewed and refresher training provided in these hypertension [or both] to those with HIV). Group size
facilities and integrated services were newly established was decided in consultation with patient groups, health-
in the other eight facilities. care workers, and policy makers, considering the time
The eligibility criteria were age 18 years or older; living participants would need to attend and ease of
with HIV, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension (or a management. This ratio considered statistical power for
combination); receiving regular care at the health facility both primary endpoints. The clusters were formed based
for at least 6 months; considered by the clinical team as on geographical proximity of participants living in the
clinically stable (defined as no or well managed same ward or parish. We formed one or two groups at
complications or co-infections and self-reported each facility each day and decided the ward or parish to
adherence to treatment in the previous 6 months); living target based on appointment schedules. When we
within the catchment area of the health facility and suspected insufficient numbers might attend to form a
planning to stay for at least 6 months; and willing to group, those scheduled to attend were contacted by
receive care in the community. Exclusion criteria were telephone in advance to confirm attendance.
blood pressure greater than 160/100 mm Hg at the Once the group size and composition criteria were
screening visit or greater than 180/110 mm Hg at any met, each group was randomly assigned (1:1) to integrated
For more on the online system time in the previous 6 months; fasting blood glucose facility care or community care using an online data
see https://github.com/ greater than 13 mmol/L at any time in the previous management system. The randomisation list was
intecomm-trial/ 6 months; any clinical condition that required facility generated by an independent statistician using PROC
management; and pregnancy. Women who became PLAN (SAS procedure) and preloaded into the system.
pregnant during the study were withdrawn and referred Randomisation was done at the health facilities, with a
to antenatal care services. On the advice of health-care representative of each group pressing the return key on a
providers and policy makers, we decided to enrol laptop to generate the randomisation group as the final
clinically stable patients. step. Trial staff and participants were masked to the
Formation of groups was coordinated by experienced randomisation until this step.
nurses familiar with each catchment area and the patient
population. We used Google maps and landmarks as Procedures
points of reference to pinpoint the addresses precisely of Patients randomly assigned to facility care received care
patients who did not have a physical address. Patients at dedicated integrated clinics within the facilities. They
were invited for enrolment consecutively during were not required to meet in their groups but retained
scheduled clinic visits until we reached the target number usual appointment schedules, usually once per month
and were given information about the study and for those with diabetes or hypertension and once every
procedures in one-to-one consultations; written 3 months for those with HIV. Participants shared the
information sheets taken from consent forms; and same registration and waiting areas, were managed by
monetary compensation (approximately £4) for their the same physicians and health-care workers, used the
time. same pharmacy and laboratory services,4,5,15 and received
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care from the same health-care team irrespective of the incapacity. Those meeting the criteria received
condition. Participants also received basic health medication at no cost. Some participants had health
education and had adherence and psychosocial support, insurance, which covered the costs.
and those who missed appointments were contacted by The research team provided a buffer supply of medicines
telephone and advised to return to the clinic (ie, track and (including glucometers and blood pressure machines) to
trace). Integrated care clinics operated once per week the health facilities in Uganda and Tanzania at the
alongside standalone vertical clinics. beginning and middle of the study to ensure a minimum
The community care group was designed to deliver supply of medicines, which was administered and made
services closer to patients’ homes. The first group available to all patients, not just trial participants. Plasma
meeting at the health facility occurred immediately after viral load tests were conducted by the government using
the group was formed and after randomisation. A nurse routine testing. Medical data collected by clinical staff at
and trained lay worker (community health worker in health facilities were extracted by the research team and
Tanzania and village health worker in Uganda) supported entered into the trial database with consistency checks.
the group to choose a group representative and identify a Blood pressure was measured using the Omron M2
suitable venue in the community where they would (OMRON Healthcare, Den Bosch, Netherlands). The
receive care, such as places of worship or schools. mean was calculated from two measurements on the
Locations were evaluated for space, privacy, accessibility, patient’s left arm taken 5 min apart. For patients with
and comfort and a venue was chosen collectively, then hypertension, controlled blood pressure was defined as
the nurse, trained lay worker, group leader, and systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg and
researchers visited the venue. Community leaders and diastolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg. Fasting
other stakeholders at the venue were identified and an glucose was measured using the Contour Plus Blood
engagement meeting held to inform stakeholders about Glucose Monitoring System (Ascensia Diabetes Care,
the study before service delivery commenced. Basel, Switzerland). Controlled fasting glucose was
Groups met once per month at the agreed community defined as a fasting glucose of less than 7 mmol/L.
locations. Coordination was managed by the group leader Plasma viral load testing was measured using the
with support from the nurse and lay worker. On the day Cobas 8800 system (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim,
before each meeting, patient files were retrieved from the Germany). Viral load suppression was defined as less
health facility, prescriptions were prepared by the than 1000 copies per mL. Weight was measured using
pharmacist, and medications were prepacked into Seca 813 digital weighing scales and height using
identical individually labelled brown envelopes. The Seca 213 portable stadiometers (Seca, Hamburg,
nurse and trained lay worker transported the files, Germany). Weight was measured to the nearest 0·1 kg
medication, weighing scales, blood pressure machines, and height to the nearest 0·1 cm. BMI was calculated as
and glucometers to the community site using taxis. the quotient of weight and the square of height.
At each meeting, a nurse led the health education Follow-up was continued for 12 months. The final
sessions and conducted clinical assessments, including meeting of groups in the community care group was
blood pressure and glucose measurements. Adherence, conducted at the health facility to facilitate data collection.
behavioural information, and support were provided by Loss to follow-up was defined as not attending an
the trained lay worker with supervision by the nurse. appointment within the previous 6 months (chosen
Referrals were made to the health facility when indicated because some participants with HIV were given
clinically (eg, the participant had high blood pressure, appointments 3–6 months apart). The final fasting
high blood glucose, or reported being unwell, such as glucose, blood pressure, and viral load measurements
blurred vision, dizziness, or chest pain). Participants who were done at the 12-month visit or at the visit after
missed the community group meeting were contacted by 6 months of follow-up.
telephone and advised to collect their prescribed drugs
from the integrated clinic at the health facility and Outcomes
received the same services as those in the facility care The trial had two coprimary endpoints. The first coprimary
group. endpoint was a composite of blood pressure or fasting
We took a number of actions to mitigate against glucose control (defined as blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg
insufficient supply of medication. In Uganda, we in participants with hypertension alone, fasting glucose
encouraged patients receiving care at the health facility to <7·0 mmol/L in those with diabetes alone, and blood
set up or join a patient-led medication fund to bulk buy pressure <140/90 mm Hg and fasting glucose
medicines at a lower cost when supplies at health <7·0 mmol per L in those with diabetes and hypertension).
facilities were low. In Tanzania, public health facilities The second coprimary endpoint was plasma viral load
typically provide medication for free to those who cannot suppression for participants with HIV alone (defined as
afford medication. Tanzanian facilities assessed <1000 copies per mL or undetectable viral load).
participants using designated social welfare offices based Secondary endpoints from baseline to 12-month
on predefined eligibility criteria to determine financial follow-up were retention in care; blood pressure control
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2940 patients assessed for eligibility
765 not screened
747 missed clinic or screening appointment or did not attend required health talks
17 unwilling to be screened
1 not clinically stable
2175 screened
203 ineligible
82 with history of uncontrolled blood pressure or glucose
61 unwilling to stay in catchment area
28 unsuitable for study at clinician discretion
18 required acute care
8 pregnant
5 in care for less than 6 months
1 with unknown blood pressure
1972 eligible
4 did not consent
1968 provided consent
104 did not meet group size or ratio criteria
77 with diabetes or hypertension (or both)
14 with HIV alone
13 with HIV and diabetes or hypertension (or both)
1864 grouped and randomly assigned (124 groups)
935 assigned to community care (62 groups) 929 assigned to facility care (62 groups)
3 did not attend the baseline assessment 3 did not attend the baseline assessment
88 with HIV and diabetes or hypertension (or both) 70 with HIV and diabetes or hypertension (or both)
242 with HIV alone 602 with diabetes or hypertension 247 with HIV alone 609 with diabetes or hypertension
(or both) (or both)
73 with diabetes 72 with diabetes
347 with hypertension 373 with hypertension
182 with diabetes and hypertension 164 with diabetes and hypertension
5 excluded 28 excluded 5 excluded 35 excluded
2 transferred to another health 8 lost to follow-up 3 transferred to another health 13 transferred to another health
facility 7 transferred to another health facility facility
1 clinical withdrawal facility 2 lost to follow-up 11 lost to follow-up
1 withdrew consent 6 withdrew consent 6 died
1 lost to follow-up 6 died 5 withdrew consent
1 clinical withdrawal
237 at 6-month follow-up 574 at 6-month follow-up 242 at 6-month follow-up 574 at 6-month follow-up
4 excluded 10 excluded 5 excluded 8 excluded
2 transferred to another health 5 transferred to another health 3 lost to follow-up 5 transferred to another health
facility facility 1 transferred to another health facility
1 consent withdrawal 3 lost to follow-up facility 2 lost to follow-up
1 died 1 consent withdrawal 1 pregnant 1 died
1 clinical withdrawal
233 completed 12-month follow-up 564 completed 12-month follow-up 237 completed 12-month 566 completed 12-month follow-up
67 with diabetes follow-up 67 with diabetes
325 with hypertension 344 with hypertension
172 with diabetes and hypertension 155 with diabetes and hypertension
Figure: Trial profile
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and change in participants with hypertension; fasting into a group were identified from health-care records as
blood glucose control and change in participants with having appointments to attend at the participating
diabetes; deaths; and process indicators (ie, missed facilities (appendix p 3). Of those, 765 (26·0%) patients
appointments and unscheduled facility visits). were not screened and 2175 (74·0%) were screened for
eligibility (figure). 203 (9·3%) patients were ineligible,
Statistical analysis mostly because they had a history of uncontrolled blood
After forming 116 groups of eight people with diabetes or pressure or blood glucose (n=82). An additional
hypertension, the trial was estimated to have 80% power four (0·2%) patients did not consent to be part of the
to detect an absolute difference of 10% in the composite
endpoint between the facility care and community care
Participants with diabetes or Participants with HIV alone
groups (at 5% two-sided significance level, assuming an
hypertension (or both)*
intraclass coefficient of 0·02). By including
Community care Facility care Community care Facility care
four participants with HIV (in each of the 116 groups),
(n=602) (n=609) (n=242) (n=247)
the trial had more than 90% power to show non-
Country of study
inferiority in plasma viral load suppression using a
Tanzania 273 (45·3%) 300 (49·3%) 112 (46·3%) 121 (49·0%)
non-inferiority margin of –10% (at 5% one-sided
Uganda 329 (54·7%) 309 (50·7%) 130 (53·7%) 126 (51·0%)
significance level, assuming 90% of participants would
have viral suppression in the facility care group). Time since diagnosis, years
Coprimary and secondary endpoints were assessed in Diabetes† 6·4 (5·6)† 7·1 (6·2)† NA NA
the intention-to-treat population (defined as all randomly Hypertension† 6·4 (5·8)† 6·5 (6·3)† NA NA
assigned participants). No adjustment for multiple HIV alone NA NA 8·5 (5·2) 9·2 (5·0)
comparisons was made as the primary endpoints were Age, years
assessed in different populations (ie, those with diabetes Mean 58·6 (11·1) 57·9 (11·8) 44·7 (10·5) 45·7 (10·3)
or hypertension [or both] and those with HIV alone as <35 13 (2·2%) 16 (2·6%) 44 (18·2%) 35 (14·2%)
per the statistical analysis plan). 35–49 117 (19·4%) 131 (21·5%) 112 (46·3%) 123 (49·8%)
Generalised estimating equation (GEE) models were ≥50 472 (78·4%) 462 (75·9%) 86 (35·5%) 89 (36·0%)
used for coprimary endpoint analysis to account for data Sex
clustering within individuals and groups. The GEE Female 474 (78·7%) 479 (78·7%) 164 (67·8%) 185 (74·9%)
model had a binomial distribution and an identity link Male 128 (21·3%) 130 (21·3%) 78 (32·2%) 62 (25·1%)
function with treatment allocation as a predictor, and Education
patient group as cluster effect was used to calculate the No formal education 101 (16·8%) 92 (15·1%)‡ 16 (6·7%)§ 25 (10·1%)
crude risk difference (95% CIs). Adjusted risk difference Primary education 348 (57·8%) 367 (60·4%)‡ 154 (64·2%)§ 168 (68·0%)
was also calculated by adding age and sex into the model. Secondary or tertiary 153 (25·4%) 149 (24·5%)‡ 70 (29·2%)§ 54 (21·9%)
Sensitivity analyses of coprimary endpoints were education
prespecified in the statistical analysis plan and done in Marital status
the per-protocol population (according to the group that Single 37 (6·1%) 37 (6·1%)‡ 38 (15·8%)§ 38 (15·4%)
participants remained in for at least 6 months), with Married 343 (57·0%) 341 (56·1%)‡ 124 (51·7%)§ 113 (45·7%)
imputation of missing primary endpoint data including Divorced 72 (12·0%) 70 (11·5%)‡ 44 (18·3%)§ 50 (20·2%)
scenarios of the worst, best, and worst–best possible Widowed 150 (24·9%) 160 (26·3%)‡ 34 (14·2%)§ 46 (18·6%)
outcome and with multiple imputation. Secondary Employment
binary endpoints were analysed in a similar way to Manual work 292 (48·5%) 284 (46·7%)‡ 168 (70·0%)§ 174 (70·4%)
coprimary endpoints. Secondary continuous endpoints Professional 62 (10·3%) 64 (10·5%)‡ 39 (16·3%)§ 34 (13·8%)
were analysed with similar GEE models as for analysis of Homemaker 95 (15·8%) 108 (17·8%) 17 (7·1%) 15 (6·1%)
binary endpoints but with a normal distribution and Unemployed 27 (4·5%) 27 (4·4%) 8 (3·3%) 11 (4·5%)
baseline measurements as an additional covariate, from Unemployed (not seeking 86 (14·3%) 88 (14·5%) 6 (2·5%) 7 (2·8%)
which crude and adjusted mean difference (95% CIs) a job)
were derived. Retired 32 (5·3%) 32 (5·3%) ·· ··
Other 8 (1·3%) 5 (0·8%) 2 (0·8%) 6 (2·4%)
Role of the funding source Smoking status
The funder of the study had no role in study design, data Smoker 4 (0·7%) 12 (2·0%)‡ 8 (3·3%)§ 11 (4·5%)
collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of Ex-smoker 37 (6·1%) 28 (4·6%)‡ 25 (10·4%)§ 9 (3·6%)
the report. Non-smoker 561 (93·2%) 568 (93·4%)‡ 207 (86·3%)§ 227 (91·9%)
Alcohol consumption
Results
Never 558 (92·7%) 552 (90·8%)‡ 168 (70·0%)§ 176 (71·3%)
Between Jan 30 and Oct 6, 2023, 2940 patients with HIV, Occasionally or regularly 44 (7·3%) 56 (9·2%)‡ 73 (30·4%)§ 71 (28·7%)
diabetes, or hypertension (or a combination of these (Table 1 continues on next page)
conditions) who lived close enough together to be placed
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158 participants with HIV and concurrent diabetes or
Participants with diabetes or Participants with HIV alone
hypertension were excluded from the primary analyses
hypertension (or both)*
and six provided no information. 1700 participants were
Community care Facility care Community care Facility care
included: 489 (28·8%) with HIV alone, 720 (42·4%) with
(n=602) (n=609) (n=242) (n=247)
hypertension alone, 145 (8·5%) with diabetes alone, and
(Continued from previous page)
346 (20·4%) with diabetes and hypertension. We provide
BMI, kg/m² results of the whole cohort including those with HIV and
Mean 28·4 (6·1)‡ 28·4 (6·0)‡ 25·2 (5·2)‡ 24·9 (4·6) diabetes or hypertension in the appendix (pp 4–11).
<25·0 183 (30·4%)‡ 184 (30·3%)‡ 124 (51·5%)‡ 135 (54·7%) The median number of participants per group
25·0–29·9 208 (34·6%)‡ 210 (34·5%)‡ 81 (33·6%)‡ 81 (32·8%) was 14 (range 9–19) in the community care group
≥30 210 (34·9%)‡ 214 (35·2%)‡ 36 (14·9%)‡ 31 (12·6%) and 14 (10–18) in the facility care group. The median
Data are n (%) or mean (SD). Some totals might not equal 100% owing to rounding. NA=not applicable. number per group of patients with HIV alone was 4 (1–7)
*73 participants in community care versus 72 in facility care with diabetes alone, 347 versus 373 with hypertension in the community care group versus 4 (0–7) in the facility
alone, and 182 versus 164 with diabetes and hypertension. †For participants living with both, the calculation for
care group and with diabetes or hypertension (or both)
diabetes is based on self-reported diagnosis of diabetes; similarly, the calculation for hypertension is based on when
they were diagnosed with hypertension; thus, the number of participants with diabetes was 255 in community care was 10 (7–15) versus 10 (6–13).
and 236 in facility care, whereas for hypertension, these numbers were 529 and 537, respectively. ‡Missing for one Baseline social and demographic characteristics were
participant. §Missing for two participants. well balanced between the two groups (table 1). Across
Table 1: Baseline social and demographic characteristics of participants both study groups, the mean number of years with the
condition was 6·4 (SD 6·1; n=1066) for hypertension,
6·7 (5·9; n=491) for diabetes, and 8·9 (5·1; n=489) for
HIV. The mean age of participants with HIV alone was
Community care Facility care
45·2 years (SD 10·4) and was 58·2 years (11·4) for those
(n=602)* (n=609)*
with diabetes or hypertension (or both). There were
Blood pressure 319/528 (60·4%)† 327/536 (61·0%)†
three times more female than male participants enrolled
<140/90 mm Hg in those
with hypertension or in the study (1302 [76·6%] of 1700 vs 398 [23·4%]).
diabetes (or both) Among participants with diabetes or hypertension (or
Mean systolic blood 132·0 (16·2)† 131·4 (15·5)† both), the proportion with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² was
pressure, mm Hg
390 (41·0%) of 952 female participants and
Mean diastolic blood 80·9 (10·2)† 80·6 (9·8)†
34 (13·2%) of 257 male participants whereas among
pressure, mm Hg
participants with HIV alone, these proportions were
Fasting blood glucose 76/229 (33·2%)‡ 71/208 (34·1%)§
60 (17·2%) of 348 and seven (5·0%) of 140.
<7·0 mmol/L in those with
diabetes or hypertension Table 2 summarises the baseline clinical characteristics
(or both) by health condition, which were also well balanced
Mean fasting blood 8·5 (2·6) 8·4 (2·6) between the groups. At baseline, 268 (46·6%) of 575 in
glucose, mmol/L
the community care group versus 286 (49·3%) of 580 in
Composite of blood pressure 268/575 (46·6%) 286/580 (49·3%)
the facility care group had adequate composite of blood
or fasting glucose control¶
pressure or fasting glucose control.
HIV viral load <1000 copies 236/242 (97·5%) 240/247 (97·2%)
per mL in those with HIV Among participants with hypertension alone or with
alone diabetes, 319 (60·4%) of 528 in the community care group
HIV viral load <400 copies 231/242 (95·5%) 233/247 (94·3%) versus 327 (61·0%) of 536 in the facility care group had a
per mL in those with HIV blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg. Among those
alone
with diabetes alone or with hypertension, 76 (33·2%) of
Data are n/N (%) or mean (SD). Some totals might not equal 100% owing to 229 in the community care group versus 71 (34·1%)
rounding. *Number of participants with diabetes or hypertension, or both.
of 208 in the facility care group had a fasting blood glucose
73 participants in community care versus 72 in facility care with diabetes alone,
347 versus 373 with hypertension alone, and 182 versus 164 with diabetes and of less than 7·0 mmol/L. Among participants with HIV,
hypertension. †Missing for one participant. ‡Missing for 26 participants. §Missing 236 (97·5%) of 242 in the community care group versus
for 28 participants. ¶Defined as blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg in
240 (97·2%) of 247 in the facility care group reached viral
those with hypertension alone, fasting plasma glucose of less than 7·0 mmol in
those with diabetes alone, or both indicators controlled in those with both suppression with less than 1000 copies per mL.
conditions. Among participants with diabetes or hypertension (or
both), 38 (6·3%) of 602 in the community care group
Table 2: Baseline clinical characteristics by health conditions
versus 43 (7·1%) of 609 in the facility care group could
not be evaluated at 12-month follow-up, whereas these
study after receiving more information and proportions were nine (3·7%) of 242 versus ten (4·0%)
104 (4·8%) did not meet group size or ratio criteria. of 247 among participants with HIV (figure).
1864 (63·4%) patients formed 124 groups. The groups The composite of blood pressure or fasting glucose
were randomised, with 62 groups in community care control coprimary endpoint did not significantly differ
and 62 in facility care. between the two groups in participants with hypertension
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or diabetes (or both; 317 [55·2%] of 574 in the community vs 566 [92·9%] attended the 12-month appointment;
care group vs 304 [53·2%] of 571 in the facility care group; table 3). Among those with hypertension, blood pressure
adjusted risk difference 1·80 [95% CI –4·52 to 8·12]; indicators did not differ significantly between the
p=0·58; table 3). Sensitivity analyses were consistent two groups at 12-month follow-up. The proportion of
with that of the primary analysis (appendix pp 4–5). participants with diabetes reaching good control of
Subgroup analyses also show no statistical difference fasting blood glucose (<7·0 mmol/L) also did not differ
between the study groups as in the primary analysis significantly between the two groups.
(appendix p 7). Coprimary outcome data in participants 126 (38·2%) of 330 participants with diabetes and
with HIV and diabetes or hypertension (or both) at hypertension had a blood pressure of less than
12-month follow-up are shown in the appendix (p 11). 140/90 mm Hg and fasting glucose of at least
Retention in care was similar between the two study 7·0 mmol/L. 30 (9·1%) had fasting glucose of less than
groups (574 [95·3%] of 602 participants in the community 7·0 mmol/L and blood pressure of at least
care group vs 573 [94·1%] of 609 in the facility care group 140/90 mm Hg. Among those with hypertension or
attended the 6-month appointment and 564 [93·7%] diabetes (or both), there were six (1·0%) deaths in the
Community care Facility care Crude risk difference p value Adjusted risk p value
(n=602) (n=609) (95% CI)* difference (95% CI)†
Coprimary outcome
Composite of blood pressure or fasting 317/574 (55·2%) 304/571 (53·2%) 1·76 (–4·58 to 8·10) 0·59 1·80 (–4·52 to 8·12) 0·58
glucose control‡
Secondary outcomes (retention in care)
Attended 6-month appointment 574/602 (95·3%) 573/609 (94·1%) 1·25 (–1·36 to 3·87) 0·35 1·36 (–1·25 to 3·97) 0·31
Attended 12-month appointment 564/602 (93·7%) 566/609 (92·9%) 0·75 (–2·16 to 3·66) 0·62 0·85 (–2·04 to 3·73) 0·56
Blood pressure in participants with hypertension
Blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg 359/506 (70·9%) 340/504 (67·5%) 3·44 (–2·37 to 9·25) 0·25 3·38 (–2·43 to 9·19) 0·25
Blood pressure >180/110 mm Hg 5/506 (1·0%) 4/504 (0·8%) 0·20 (–1·06 to 1·46) 0·75 0·21 (–1·05 to 1·47) 0·74
Mean systolic blood pressure, mm Hg 128·61 (15·56) 130·11 (16·47) –1·78 (–3·61 to 0·06) 0·058 –1·78 (–3·62 to 0·05) 0·057
Mean diastolic blood pressure, mm Hg 79·45 (10·16) 79·89 (11·20) –0·51 (–1·73 to 0·71) 0·41 –0·50 (–1·72 to 0·72) 0·42
Blood glucose in participants with diabetes
Fasting blood glucose <7·0 mmol/L 92/243 (37·9%) 74/222 (33·3%) 4·17 (–5·81 to 14·16) 0·41 4·19 (–5·82 to 14·19) 0·41
Mean fasting blood glucose, mmol/L 8·71 (3·41) 8·55 (2·90) 0·08 (–0·48 to 0·63) 0·79 0·08 (–0·48 to 0·64) 0·78
Deaths in participants with hypertension 6/602 (1·0%) 7/609 (1·1%) –0·15 (–1·25 to 0·95) 0·79 –0·20 (–1·31 to 0·92) 0·73
or diabetes (or both, over the 12-month
follow-up)
Data are n/N (%) or mean (SD), unless stated otherwise. *Binary outcomes adjusted for clustering and continuous outcomes adjusted for baseline measurements. †Binary
outcomes adjusted for clustering, age, and sex, and continuous outcomes adjusted further for baseline measurements. ‡Defined as blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg
in those with hypertension alone, fasting plasma glucose of less than 7·0 mmol in those with diabetes alone, or both indicators controlled in those with both conditions.
Table 3: Outcomes in participants with hypertension or diabetes (or both)
Community care Facility care Crude risk difference p value Adjusted risk p value
(n=242) (n=247) (95% CI)* difference (95% CI)†
Coprimary outcome
Plasma viral load 227/229 (99·1%) 229/232 (98·7%) 0·42 (–1·14 to 1·97)‡ p<0·0001‡ 0·44 (–1·12 to 1·99)‡ p<0·0001‡
<1000 copies per mL
Secondary outcomes
Plasma viral load <400 copies 224/229 (97·8%) 222/232 (95·7%) 2·12 (–1·23 to 5·47) 0·22 2·20 (–1·15 to 5·55) 0·20
per mL
Attended 6-month 237/242 (97·9%) 241/247 (97·6%) 0·36 (–2·16 to 2·88) 0·78 0·43 (–2·09 to 2·96) 0·74
appointment
Attended 12-month 233/242 (96·3%) 237/247 (96·0%) 0·36 (–2·99 to 3·70) 0·83 0·38 (–2·96 to 3·73) 0·82
appointment
Deaths over 12-month 1/242 (0·4%) 0/247 0·41 (–0·39 to 1·22) 0·32 0·42 (–0·40 to 1·25) 0·32
follow-up
Data are n/N (%), unless stated otherwise. *Adjusted for clustering. †Adjusted for clustering, age, and sex. ‡One-sided 95% CI and p .
non-inferiority
Table 4: Outcomes in participants with HIV alone
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Participants with hypertension or diabetes (or both) Participants with HIV alone
Community care Facility care Risk difference; Community care Facility care Risk difference;
(n=602) (n=609) p value (n=242) (n=247) p value
Number of scheduled 1099/7745 (14·2%); 1387/6643 (20·9%); –0·45% 1198/3121 (38·4%); 212/1401 (15·1%); 4·09
appointments missed 1·83 (2·43) 2·28 (2·54) (–0·73 to –0·17); 4·95 (2·89) 0·86 (1·81) (3·67 to 4·52);
p=0·0016 p<0·0001
Number of participants 354/602 (58·8%) 424/609 (69·6%) –10·70% 224/242 (92·6%) 73/247 (30·0%) 62·44%
who missed one or more (–18·31 to –3·09); (53·48 to 71·39);
appointments p=0·0059 p<0·0001
Number of participants 19/602 (3·2%)* 13/609 (2·1%)* 0·82% 0 0 ..
who visited the facility (–0·14 to 3·01);
unscheduled by referral p=0·46
or self-referral
Data are n/N (%); mean (SD) or n/N (%), unless stated otherwise. *22 visits in community care and 13 visits in facility care.
Table 5: Appointments and referrals measured over 12-month follow-up
community care group and seven (1·1%) in the facility To our knowledge, this trial is the first to test an
group. integrated community care model for multiple conditions
In terms of the coprimary endpoint in participants in Africa. Previous studies have been largely on single
with HIV alone, 227 (99·1%) of 229 in the community conditions and have suggested that community care for
care group and 229 (98·7%) of 232 in the facility care chronic conditions could be effective when services are
group had plasma viral load of less than 1000 copies per delivered vertically, although the evidence for the
mL and non-inferiority in viral suppression was shown management of patients with diabetes and hypertension
(adjusted risk difference 0·44 [95% CI –1·12 to 1·99]; varies.12,16–18 Supply of medicines for diabetes and
p <0·0001; table 4). There was one (0·4%) death hypertension remains a challenge across Africa.19,20
non-inferiority
in the community care group. The proportion of Additionally, a large number of people in Africa live with
participants with HIV who attended the 12-month multiple chronic conditions21,22 and delivering vertical
appointment was high and similar in both groups community care for single conditions might have low
(table 4). Sensitivity analyses showed similar results impact.
(appendix pp 8–9). Subgroup analyses show non- Patients enrolled in our trial had good control of blood
inferiority within the age (<55 years vs ≥55 years) and pressure, blood glucose, and HIV viral load at baseline,
sex categories between the study groups (appendix reflecting the inclusion of individuals who were clinically
p 10). stable on treatment. By the end of the study at 12 months
Among participants with diabetes or hypertension (or of follow-up, control of blood pressure and glucose had
both), the number of scheduled appointments missed improved in both community and facility care groups
was lower in the community care group than the facility and around 70% of patients with hypertension reached
care group (1099 [14·2%] of 7745 vs 1387 (20·9%] of 6643); good blood pressure control. Engagement with the study
and 19 (3·2%) of 602 participants versus 13 (2·1%) of was exceptional and the proportion retained in care who
609 visited the facility unscheduled by referral or self- attended the 12-month appointment exceeded 90% in
referral (risk difference 0·82% [–0·14 to 3·01]; p=0·46; both groups; whereas in other clinical trials
table 5). Among participants with HIV, the number of in low-income and middle-income settings, retention in
missed appointments in community care was double care rarely exceeds 50%.23
that of facility care (1198 [38·4%] of 3121 Fewer patients with HIV declined to join or withdrew
vs 212 [15·1%] of 1401), but there were no referrals or from the study than those with diabetes or hypertension
self-referrals. (or both). The rates of HIV viral suppression remained
In a post-hoc analysis, blood pressure control in high and non-inferior in the community care group,
participants with HIV and hypertension was significantly despite patients shifting from physician-led clinics with
better in community care than facility care groups (20·34 infrequent visits to once per month group community
[1·89–38·78]; p=0·031; appendix p 11); but the number of visits. These findings support our earlier observations
participants enrolled with HIV and diabetes was small. that integration of services for patients with HIV who
have other conditions might reduce HIV associated
Discussion stigma.7,24
This multicountry, cluster-randomised trial showed that Our findings have two clear implications. First, that
integrated community care is as effective as integrated clinically stable patients in regular care can safely
facility care for the management of patients with HIV, transition to be managed in the community, reducing the
diabetes, and hypertension. burden on overstretched health facilities and improving
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the convenience and accessibility of care. Second, simple Community care should be evaluated further, but we
support mechanisms (such as structured follow-up, assume wide scale availability due to the need to be
reminder calls, and patient tracing) embedded in HIV organised in more locations and on more days in a month
care could substantially improve outcomes for patients to meet demand. Harmonising visit schedules by
with diabetes and hypertension. extending diabetes and hypertension appointments to
Notably, the proportion of patients with diabetes occur every 3–6 months, which is common in HIV care,
reaching glycaemic control was lower than the proportion could improve efficiency and acceptability but will also
of those with hypertension reaching blood pressure need evaluation. As health services adapt community care
control. Around a third of patients with diabetes reached scale-up, a temptation might be to add community care
fasting glucose of less than 7 mmol/L, echoing findings for other conditions (in addition to HIV, diabetes, and
from other studies in Africa.5,25 Furthermore, those with hypertension) or offer integrated community care for
both diabetes and hypertension had worse glucose clinically unstable patients; these approaches should be
control than their blood pressure control. studied further.
The consistent gap between diabetes and hypertension A weakness of our study is the open-label design with
outcomes points to limitations in diabetes management 12 months of follow-up. We chose endpoints that were
strategies rather than health system factors. First, type 2 objective to mitigate this limitation. A further weakness
diabetes is a progressive disease with declining β-cell is that the number of patients enrolled with HIV and
function and rising insulin resistance over time requiring diabetes or hypertension (or both) was small and we were
continued escalation of treatment.26 Second, diabetes in unable to draw conclusions for these groups. Finally,
Africa often presents with distinct phenotypes (frequently although participants were managed by government
in young and lean individuals) with less insulin resistance health-care staff and according to guidelines, the research
and greater insulin deficiency, but the optimal team were observing procedures and recording data;
management strategies remain undefined.27 Third, the thus, the outcomes recorded might differ when compared
low repertoire of diabetes medications, especially beyond with real-life settings.
metformin and sulfonylureas, constrains the effective In summary, this study shows that integrated
control of diabetes.28 Together, these factors underscore management of patients with HIV, diabetes, and
the urgent need to adapt treatment protocols and expand hypertension from community focal points by nurses
therapeutic options for diabetes in Africa. and lay workers is as effective as facility care. By shifting
When designing the trial, we assumed that community clinically stable patients from facilities to community
care would be challenging for people with HIV since these care, this approach offers a promising pathway to
patients were accustomed to dedicated physician-led decongest health services, extend reach, and make
clinics—often located separately to preserve anonymity— chronic care more people-centred in sub-Saharan Africa.
with conveniently spaced visits every 3–6 months, but the
RESPOND-AFRICA Group
rates of HIV viral suppression observed in our study were Gerard J Abou Jaoude, Mathias Akugizibwe, Max Bachmann,
excellent. Our community care model required attendance Mtumwa Bakari, Ousman Bah, Carlos S Grijalva-Eternod, Peiyun Hu,
Caroline Jeffery, Calvin Kaaya, Anne Katahoire, Jerome Kabakyenga,
once per month at set times when a nurse and lay worker
Aisha Kigongo, Isaac S Kintu, Salome Kitinusa, Zenais Kiwale,
visited focal points (such as schools or places of worship),
Judith J Lunyungu, Aneth, Mtui, Francis X Namugera,
alongside neighbours living with diabetes and hyper- Chaka M Namulundu, Joseph Okebe, Stella Sarwatt, David Serunjogi,
tension and in more visible public settings, where they Meshack Shimwela, and Sophia M Tabarani.
could be worried about preserving their anonymity. Contributors
Despite these concerns, HIV outcomes showed that MJN, SJ, SM, and KR wrote the protocol, secured the funding, and
oversaw the programme. MJN, SJ, SM, KR, ST, GM, MNS, OSU, SA,
integrated community care was equally as effective as
SW, and MCVH designed the study. FXK, FA, IN, JB, SK, AG, FM, and
integrated facility care. JAP implemented the study. EvW managed the data. DW and EvW
We focused our analysis on two primary populations: analysed the data. FXK, SM, and KR led the engagement with
people with diabetes or hypertension (or both) and those communities. MJN and KR led the engagement with the Ministries of
Health. NKS, GG, and PGS provided independent input and oversight,
with HIV alone. The numbers with HIV and hypertension
with PGS chairing the International Steering Committee. FXK, FA, and
or diabetes (or both) were small (as testing for diabetes or AG wrote the first draft of the manuscript and subsequent drafts were
hypertension [or both] is uncommon), but some blood checked by SJ and MJN, with all other authors contributing. EvW, DW,
pressure indicators among these groups were superior in and SJ accessed and verified the data. All authors had full access to all
the data in the study and had final responsibility for the decision to
the community care group compared with the facility
submit for publication.
care group. Community care is likely to benefit those
Declaration of interests
with multiple comorbidities because they have the
We declare no competing interests.
greatest challenge of accessing facility care, but our study
Data sharing
was not designed to address this question.
Published and de-identified data with the data dictionaries, study
Although our study findings show that the concept of protocol, statistical analysis plan, and a sample of the informed consent
integrated community care is effective, we do not know form are available upon request to the corresponding author.
how effective this approach would be when scaled up.
Articles
Acknowledgments 14 Barnabas RV, Szpiro AA, van Rooyen H, et al. Community-based
This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care antiretroviral therapy versus standard clinic-based services for HIV
Research (NIHR; Global Health Policy and Systems Research in South Africa and Uganda (DO ART): a randomised trial.
Programme grant NIHR131273). We thank patients who participated in Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8: e1305–15.
this study, health-care providers, managers of health facilities, and local 15 Mfinanga SG, Nyirenda MJ, Mutungi G, et al. Integrating HIV,
and national policy makers for their time and support. We also thank the diabetes and hypertension services in Africa: study protocol for a
cluster randomised trial in Tanzania and Uganda. BMJ Open 2021;
independent data safety monitoring committee: Pablo Perel,
11: e047979.
David Guwatudde, and Sile Molloy. We thank our professional services
16 Firima E, Gonzalez L, Ursprung F, et al. Community-based models
teams for administrative and managerial support, in particular Dimitra
of care for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among non-
Stamogiannou, whose brilliance allows us to spend concentrated time
pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. PLoS One
on our research.
2023; 18: e0278353.
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DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)02641-8