EACS2023: 137 Evidence generation on ageing women living with HIV in Zimbabwe. An investment case to close the gap in ending AIDS T. Westerhof Pan African Positive Women's Coalition-Zimbabwe, Advocacy and Programs, Kadoma, Zimbabwe General data Abstract category: Ageing and frailty Abstract body Purpose: Pan African Positive Women's Coalition – Zimbabwe commissioned a national research to close information gap on ageing women’s needs, their access to HIV services, knowledge and awareness of their rights. Existing evidence lacks detail on ageing women’s meaningful inclusion in social, health related and policy formulation processes that influence health interventions specifically targeted for them. Method: The research adopted a cross-sectional study design, with triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methods, allowing for in-depth participation of targeted respondents to gather insights into their perspectives, opinions and sentiments on the priority areas for ageing PLWHIV. Data collection covered 7 of the 10 provinces across the country. Key Informant Interviews were also conducted with health service providers at the local clinics including representatives of Civil Society and the Government. Results: In Zimbabwe, the population of people living with HIV aged 50 and above has steadily increased from 117,539 in 2010 to 170,513 in 2015 before rising to 248,638 in 2020 and to 286,985 in 2022. The perpetuation of the notion that persons older than fifty are not in need of HIV prevention services makes them more vulnerable to infection. Other key drivers increasing their vulnerability includes cultural social norms and taboos where culturally, younger community cadres may find it difficult to discuss sexuality issues with their elderly. Existing clinical guidelines do not consider people older than fifty years as a special group and are subjected to the same rules. Conclusions: Develop age-appropriate health educational material that target elderly population. The choice of ART regimen should consider existing medications and comorbidities, particularly liver and kidney disease. This is especially true for ageing HIV patients, as many have polypharmacy. Strengthen routine laboratory monitoring for renal and liver impairment amongst elderly HIV patients. Provide mental health services that target older women and men. General conditions 1. I confirm that I previewed this abstract and that all information is correct. I accept that the content of this abstract cannot be modified or corrected after the submission deadline and I am aware that it will be published exactly as submitted.: Yes 2. I confirm that the submission of the abstract constitutes my consent to publication (e.g. conference website, programmes, other promotions, etc.). : Yes 3. I herewith confirm that the contact details saved in this system are those of the corresponding author, who will be notified about the status of the abstract. The corresponding author is responsible for informing the other authors about the status of the abstract.: Yes 4. I agree that all data provided may be used (saved, stored, processed, transmitted and deleted) in compliance with the privacy policy to provide the services described.: Yes 1 1 64 19TH EUROPEAN AIDS CONFERENCE | WARSAW 2023
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