HIV/AIDS Glossary

The steps or stages of medical treatment for HIV. The continuum of care begins when someone receives an HIV diagnosis, and includes finding the right health care, starting antiretroviral therapy (ART), adhering to treatment, and staying in care. The ultimate goal of the continuum of care is virological suppression. The continuum of care can also refer to a model used by epidemiologists and other health care professionals to monitor the success of HIV-related programs and to identify and address gaps in HIV-related services. This model measures linkage to care, retention in care, and sustained viral suppression among people with HIV.