Global HIV/AIDS

Angola

HIV/AIDS in Angola

2.4% Estimated HIV Prevalence
(Age 15–49)(2013)
12,000 Estimated AIDS Deaths (2013)
120,000 Estimated Orphans due to AIDS (2013)
39,704 Reported Number of Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) (2013)
48% Estimated ART Coverage per WHO 2010 Guidelines (2012)

SOURCE:
UNAIDS Gap Report, 2014, UNAIDS Global Report, 2013

Strategic Focus

The CDC-Angola office opened in 2002. In collaboration with the Angola Ministry of Health (MOH), current activities focus on laboratory and health system strengthening, blood safety, disease surveillance, training of healthcare professionals, and the prevention of medical transmission of HIV.

Strengthening Public Health Systems
CDC funds the National Blood Center to ensure safe and efficient collection, processing, and utilization of blood with an emphasis on increasing non-remunerated, voluntary blood donors. CDC also supports national HIV surveillance in ante-natal clinics and behavioral and social sciences studies.

Strengthening Laboratory Systems and Networks
CDC supports the strengthening of a tiered laboratory system by providing technical assistance (TA), mentorship training, and development and implementation of a national strategic plan. CDC implemented the first WHO AFRO stepwise accreditation scheme, through the Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation (SLMTA) Program, and the first national External Quality Control Program for HIV Rapid Testing (EQC HIV RT).

Key Activities and Accomplishments

Laboratory
CDC continues to support the long-term quality improvement program, SLMTA. Staff at 56 health facilities have been trained on external quality assurance of HIV rapid tests and proficiency panels are distributed bi-annually. This is the first national laboratory external quality assurance program implemented in Angola.

Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program
CDC provides support to the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (FELTP), to ensure Angola has the capacity to respond effectively to communicable disease threats. The first cohort completed their Master of Public Health programs in 2014. The second cohort of nine students began the program in April 2013 and are all expected to earn their Master of Public Health degree in 2016.