Extending The HIV Case Tracking System to Improve Accuracy, Minimize Duplicate Data, and Enhance Art Program Efficiency Across Multiple Testing Facilities in Kigali


Authors : Bigenimana Joseph; Dr. Bugingo Emmanuel; Tunezerwe Emmanuel

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yxwp75bs

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3jbv3j82

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr1399

Google Scholar

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 15 to 20 days to display the article.


Abstract : This project aims to address the issue of false increases in the number of HIV-positive cases by expanding the HIV case monitoring system for ARV patients across multiple testing sites, improving reporting and planning capabilities. Currently, the system may mistakenly identify the same individual as a new case across different facilities due to repeated testing, leading to inflated case numbers and inefficient allocation of resources. For instance, a patient who tests positive at one medical facility is assigned to an ART treatment and social assistance. If the same person tests again at a different site, the system records them as a new case, causing discrepancies in patient tracking. The proposed system will integrate testing sites, enabling accurate identification and centralized data sharing, thereby eliminating redundant records and ensuring better continuity of care. The study focuses on healthcare facilities in Kigali City, including Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK), Nyacyonga Health Center, Gatenga Health Center, and Rugarama Health Center. A random sample of 400 participants, including doctors, nurses, and referred patients, was selected to provide insights into the current system’s challenges. Data analysis was conducted using frequency tables and percentages. The results highlight the need for an expanded HIV case monitoring system to support retesting across multiple facilities. After the implementation of the system, the number of individuals accurately identified across these facilities increased, ensuring each patient’s data is consistently updated and tracked. For example, before the solution, patients were often duplicated across sites, with over 2,000 individuals spread across multiple facilities without clear identification. Post- implementation, each person is now accurately tracked, ensuring that resources are allocated more efficiently, and care continuity is improved.

Keywords : ARV Program, Testing Facilities, HIV Testing and Retesting.

References :

  1. Abongomera, G., Kadzandira, J., & Ngwira, B. (2022). Patient-level benefits associated with decentralization of antiretroviral therapy services to primary health facilities in Malawi and Uganda. The Lancet HIV, 9(3), 169-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(22)00009-0
  2. Bekker, L. G., Cowan, F., & Mwai, A. (2023). Advancing global health and strengthening the HIV response in the era of the Sustainable Development Goals: The International AIDS Society-Lancet Commission. Lancet, 402(10373), 91-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01238-9
  3. Boyer, S., Gagnon, J., & Kintu, A. (2022). Performance of HIV care decentralization from the patient’s perspective: Health-related quality of life and perceived quality of services in Cameroon. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08333-w
  4. Chapman, A., Johnson, S., & Thomas, H. (2021). High HIV risk behavior among MSM in Kigali, Rwanda. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 32(10), 835-843. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956462421990152
  5. Charles, B., & Lalthanmawia, R. (2023). Providing HIV treatment closer to patient’s homes compared to more centralized treatment. Clinical Epidemiology & Global Health, 11(2), 100134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2022.100134
  6. Clumeck, N., Pozniak, A., & Raffi, F. (2018). Antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected adults. The Lancet, 372(9634), 1-14.
  7. Cyamatare Rwabukwisi, F., Nkurunziza, S., & Umuhoza, L. (2021). Five-year outcomes among children receiving antiretroviral therapy in a community-based accompaniment program in rural Rwanda. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11197-2
  8. Dunkle, K., Dufour, M., & Patel, D. (2020). New heterosexually transmitted HIV infections in married or cohabitating couples in rural Zambia and Rwanda. The Lancet, 395(10223), 1060-1068. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30356-X
  9. Haakenstad, A., Figueroa, A., & Bertaud, A. (2023). Potential for additional government spending on HIV/AIDS in 137 low-income and middle-income countries: An economic modelling study. Lancet HIV, 10(1), e47-e56. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(23)00209-X
  10. Holtz, T. H., Farmer, P. E., & McNeil, D. (2004). The role of social interventions in the management of HIV. AIDS, 18(4), 1-8.
  11. Kredo, T., Nwokolo, N., & Wiysonge, C. S. (2022). Decentralising HIV treatment in lower- and middle-income countries. AIDS, 36(3), 401-408. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0000000000002885
  12. Mills, E. J., Nixon, S. A., & Mutasa-Apollo, T. (2006). Antiretroviral therapy in resource-poor settings. The Lancet, 367(9513), 1997-1999.
  13. Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN). (2020). Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (2020).
  14. Ministry of Health/Rwanda Biomedical Center (MOH/RBC). (2020). Behavioral and biological surveillance survey among female sex workers.
  15. Nachega, J. B., Uthman, O. A., & Olamoyegun, M. (2021). Achieving viral suppression in 90% of people living with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy in low- and middle-income countries: Progress, challenges, and opportunities. The Lancet HIV, 8(6), e370-e380. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(21)00146-0
  16. Ndagijimana Ntwali, J. D., Busingye, M., & Mutabazi, F. (2021). Viral load detection and management on first-line ART in rural Rwanda. PLOS One, 16(5), e0251195. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251195
  17. Quinn, T. C., Kigozi, G., & Bbaale, M. (2020). Viral load and heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Rakai Project Study Group. The Lancet, 374(9683), 334-341. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60556-5
  18. Resch, S., Ryckman, T., & Hecht, R. (2021). Funding AIDS programs in the era of shared responsibility: An analysis of domestic spending in 12 low-income and middle-income

This project aims to address the issue of false increases in the number of HIV-positive cases by expanding the HIV case monitoring system for ARV patients across multiple testing sites, improving reporting and planning capabilities. Currently, the system may mistakenly identify the same individual as a new case across different facilities due to repeated testing, leading to inflated case numbers and inefficient allocation of resources. For instance, a patient who tests positive at one medical facility is assigned to an ART treatment and social assistance. If the same person tests again at a different site, the system records them as a new case, causing discrepancies in patient tracking. The proposed system will integrate testing sites, enabling accurate identification and centralized data sharing, thereby eliminating redundant records and ensuring better continuity of care. The study focuses on healthcare facilities in Kigali City, including Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK), Nyacyonga Health Center, Gatenga Health Center, and Rugarama Health Center. A random sample of 400 participants, including doctors, nurses, and referred patients, was selected to provide insights into the current system’s challenges. Data analysis was conducted using frequency tables and percentages. The results highlight the need for an expanded HIV case monitoring system to support retesting across multiple facilities. After the implementation of the system, the number of individuals accurately identified across these facilities increased, ensuring each patient’s data is consistently updated and tracked. For example, before the solution, patients were often duplicated across sites, with over 2,000 individuals spread across multiple facilities without clear identification. Post- implementation, each person is now accurately tracked, ensuring that resources are allocated more efficiently, and care continuity is improved.

Keywords : ARV Program, Testing Facilities, HIV Testing and Retesting.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe