Introduction
virological failure
DISEASE PROGRESSION
South Africa (SA) has an estimated HIV prevalence of 13.7%, with approximately 8.2 million people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2021 [Studies report episodes of ART non-adherence in around one-third of PLHIV residing in rural sub-Saharan Africa [Suboptimal ART adherence can result in virological failure, which has adverse consequences for both individual and public health. Firstly, virological failure of ART is associated with an increased risk of disease progression and reduced survival [As roll-out of ART continues to expand in South Africa, efforts are being made to optimize adherence to treatment and treatment efficacy. The recent adoption of dolutegravir (DTG) for all adult PLHIV is expected to improve adherence and efficacy [