Healthcare integration for HIV and non-communicable diseases in sub- Saharan Africa: Protocol for a scoping review of randomized trials

Stand-alone HIV clinics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have effectively expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) since the 2000s, transforming HIV into a chronic condition. However, more recently, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the SSA population, particularly hypertension and diabetes, which the region’s healthcare infrastructure is not equipped to address. Integrating health services for HIV and NCDs is one strategy for addressing these challenges. This scoping review will focus specifically on randomized trials, such as randomized and cluster-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and stepped wedge cluster randomised trials, to map and analyze HIV-NCD integrated care models, reflecting on comparability across studies. This review will summarize outcomes and highlight gaps, ultimately guiding future research to better address NCDs in settings with high HIV prevalence.