Evaluation of HIV Viral Load Surveillance System in Adama Public Health Research, and Referral Laboratory Centre, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, with large number of people infected. We evaluated the Oromia Regional Health Bureau's achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 global goals of 2025 in response to HIV/AIDS end and the third 95% of people on treatment with suppressed viral load status, to the 2030 SDGs of "ending AIDS" as a public health treat. Methods: We used a cross-sectional mixed method study with HIV viral load data from 2019 to 2020 in Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Centre from May to June, 2021, using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information from the viral load database, 39 key informant interviews from 14 health centers ART focal persons, and surveillance officers. We evaluated system attributes using the CDC 2001 guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems. Results: Of the 79,517 HIV/AIDS data reviewed, about 43.4% were 35-49 years old, while 68.2% were females. Approximately 2% were pregnant women, and 1.7% were breastfeeding mothers. Overall, the viral suppression rate was 95.4%. Standardized documents and materials were in use for the viral load surveillance system function. Data completeness was 60%, data timeliness was 95%, and sensitivity was 98%. There was no consistent feedback. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the region's overall HIV viral load suppression rate was 95.4%. The majority of system attributes were functioning properly. However, data quality was only 50%. Health workers in ART facilities and surveillance officers required training on data usage, regular feedback and training on data quality and completeness are needed for health centre based health workers.