Evaluation of HIV Viral Load Surveillance System, National Perspective in Tanzania

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still a global public health problem. The number of HIV-positive individuals was estimated to be 38.0 million worldwide in 2020, with 2.78 million being children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. We aimed to assess the usefulness and system attributes of the HIV Viral Load (HVL) surveillance system in Tanzania and determine whether it meets its objectives. MethodologyThis was a descriptive cross-sectional analysis conducted to describe the attributes and usefulness of the HVL surveillance system. From January through December 2022, we consistently captured HVL data, which we extracted and analysed. The system description, case definition, and eligibility criteria were obtained from the system guidelines. We used Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate system attributes. We observed the data entry to determine the simplicity and time spent entering data into the system. Turnaround time were determined from the sample collected at the spoke to the result returned to the clients. ResultsThe HVL surveillance system is implemented by 90.6% (4314/4764) of facilities in the country. The overall national data completeness was 97.4%. The systems sensitivity was 84.4%, with a predictive value positive (PVP) of 52% and a national data accuracy of 97%. Of eight data clerks interviewed, 100% (8/8) said the system was simple to use. ConclusionThe systems overall performance achieved its goals was satisfactory. The system was representable, simple, flexible, and sensitive. Turnaround time was at a median of 13 days.