HIV/AIDS

National Public Health Laboratory

CDC and PEPFAR partners assisted in establishing the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) in 2011. The CPHRL offers serology, molecular, and microbiology public health services. Through Atlanta-based technical assistance, CDC assists the National AIDS Commission to institute and promote lab safety, quality control, and quality assurance in HIV/AIDS laboratory methods; supports the development of a laboratory information network protocol for HIV and related opportunistic infections; installs laboratory HIV diagnostic equipment; trains staff on current HIV diagnostic methods; and provides guidance to institute a phased national HIV proficiency testing program with support from WHO.

Monitoring and Evaluation

CDC conducted a pre-pilot evaluation to assess infrastructure, systems, and potentials for integration into the existing maternal and child health program and will develop guidelines to conduct an expanded pilot. CDC provided a national review, assessments, and technical assistance to the NAS and partners to address gaps in pediatric HIV services. CDC also established an in-country prevention of mother-to-child pediatric technical work group to harmonize activities in early infant diagnosis services.

Surveillance

CDC provided support and technical expertise in the expansion of the antenatal surveillance survey from 13 to 20 sentinel sites.