Delayed linkage to HIV care among asylum seekers in Quebec, Canada.
Nadine KronfliBlake LinthwaiteNancy SheehanJoseph CoxIsabelle HardyBertrand LebouchéAlexandra de PokomandyCharles FrenetteMichel RogerMarina B KleinPublished in: BMC public health (2019)
While the majority of newly diagnosed asylum seekers were late presenters, only 45% were linked to care within 30 days. Once linked, care and viral suppression were rapid. Delays in screening and linkage to care present increased risk for onward transmission, and in the context of 21% baseline resistance, consideration of point-of-care testing and immediate referral at IME screening should be made.