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Building Capacity for Data-Driven Decision Making in African HIV Testing Programs: Field Perspectives on Data Use
Cari Courtenay-Quirk1, Hilary Spindler2, Aimee Leidich2
1Division of Global HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Summary
High-quality HIV testing services (HTS) workshops improved data use for program decisions in Africa. Participants gained skills, but automated tools are needed for future HIV/AIDS strategy refinement.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Strategic delivery of high-quality HIV testing services (HTS) is crucial for achieving the end of AIDS by 2030.
- Effective data utilization is essential for informed program decision-making in HIV/AIDS initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of HTS Data Use workshops on data utilization for strategic program decisions in five African countries.
- To evaluate the practical application of workshop skills and tools and identify future capacity-building needs.
Main Methods:
- Conducted HTS Data Use workshops in five African countries.
- Collected feedback through semi-structured phone interviews with planning teams and a web-based survey of 92 participants.
Main Results:
- Workshop participants readily learned accessible tools and reported increased confidence and frequency in data interpretation and use.
- Planning teams identified a need for more automated tools compatible across different data systems.
Conclusions:
- HTS Data Use workshops enhance participants' capacity to use data for HIV program monitoring and strategic refinement.
- Continued development of accessible tools and skill-building opportunities is vital for national decision-makers to meet global HIV/AIDS targets.
