HIVhoidossa

HIVhoidossa is a Finnish term used in public health and clinical practice to refer to a person who is living with HIV and is actively receiving medical treatment and care for the infection. In practice, it denotes ongoing engagement with healthcare services, including access to antiretroviral therapy, regular follow-up, and adherence support.

Etymology: formed from HIV-hoito (HIV treatment) with the locative suffix -ssa indicating "in," signifying the state of being in care. It is not a fixed clinical label but a descriptive concept used in care pathways and research to describe patients who are linked to, and retained in, the care continuum.

Core elements of being in HIV care include prescribed ART, adherence counseling, regular monitoring of viral load and immune status, management of comorbidities, vaccination where appropriate, and psychosocial support. Achieving viral suppression through ART reduces the risk of transmission (U=U) and improves life expectancy and quality of life.

Public health relevance: High engagement in care is central to HIV control strategies. Programs aim to identify individuals not yet in care, remove barriers such as stigma and access, and support sustained treatment to maintain viral suppression and prevent new infections.

Challenges: Not all people with HIV are in care. Barriers include stigma, socioeconomic factors, geographic access, mental health, and substance use. The term HIVhoidossa is more common in Finnish contexts, but similar concepts exist globally in terms of treatment cascades and care engagement.

See also: antiretroviral therapy, HIV treatment cascade, U=U.