Policy brief on harnessing the strength of routine data for HIV surveillance

Overview

Programmatic data routinely collected at service delivery sites can play an important role in the measuring and monitoring of HIV incidence and prevalence, helping to gauge the impact of the HIV response on the epidemic.

The 2022 WHO Consolidated guidelines on person-centred HIV strategic information: strengthening routine data for impact addresses this use of routine data for the first time and is highlighted in this policy brief.

Strengthened HIV surveillance systems involve the reporting of HIV diagnoses and AIDS cases through a standardized reporting system with additional data elements to facilitate an understanding of the distribution of new HIV infections. Using regular, reliable routine surveillance data to track HIV incidence, prevalence and mortality will enhance timely decision-making and the overall national response.