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Research Article: An Integrated Sample Referral System for HIV Viral Load and Early Infant Diagnosis in North-Western Province, Zambia—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Date Published: 2024-03-08

Abstract:
Zambia’s adult HIV prevalence is high at 11% and faces challenges in achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for HIV, with a national viral load suppression of 86.2% falling short of the required 95%. North-Western Province has the lowest viral load suppression at 77.5%. Our study investigated the role of an integrated sample referral system in optimizing HIV viral load coverage and Early Infant Diagnosis turnaround time in the province. Using electronic data from the DISA Laboratory Information System and Smartcare, a retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted, involving 160,922 viral load and Early Infant Diagnosis results. The chi-square test and multiple linear regression were used for analysis. Following the implementation of the integrated sample referral system, viral load coverage consistently increased monthly (p < 0.001), Early Infant Diagnosis turnaround time improved by 47.7%, and sample volume increased by 25%. The study identifies associations between various factors and testing outcomes. These findings demonstrate improvements in viral load coverage and the Early Infant Diagnosis turnaround time and suggest targeting modifiable factors to further optimize the referral system. We recommend continued strengthening of the referral system and more deliberate demand-creation implementation strategies.

Introduction:
HIV prevalence in Zambia among individuals aged 15 years and above continues to remain high at 11% [1]. HIV infection has a profound impact on communities, as many people living with HIV (PLHIV) are parents and caregivers that are supposed to attend to the needs of their families [2,3]. Some of the greatest challenges of PLHIV are stigma and discrimination, with both known to affect the quality of life and treatment outcomes negatively. The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets…

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