1. Introduction to HIV Strategic Information Systems

The purpose of HIV surveillance is to enable evidence-based development of prevention and control programmes, and to promote the most effective use of health resources. HIV and AIDS case reporting, sero-surveillance, STI surveillance and behavioural surveillance are indispensable for monitoring epidemic trends and evaluating the effects of prevention interventions. The surveillance of HIV requires the collection of demographic and behavioural data because of the unique link between HIV epidemiology and behaviours. Biological and behavioural data collected by the HIV surveillance system should be used to validate one another.

Learning objectives

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction and overview of HIV epidemics both globally and specifically to different regions, as well as to introduce definitions and main concepts of public health surveillance, including the principles and concepts of HIV surveillance. The course describes the steps and components needed to design and establish an HIV strategic information system, as well as principles of data collection, analysis and dissemination. Participants will also be introduced to the basic concepts on how to assess the effectiveness, including sensitivity and completeness of a surveillance system.

Key topics

• General principles and key epidemiological issues of public health surveillance
• Components of HIV strategic information systems
• Basic HIV surveillance principles and concepts
• Evaluation of a surveillance system
• Data collection, analysis and dissemination
• Estimating HIV epidemics using Spectrum and other modelling tools
• Principles of monitoring and evaluation

Teaching Methods

The course consists of lectures, exercises and presentations. Interactive methods will be used to encourage full participation from attendees. Participants will be encouraged to reflect upon and apply their learning to their own country settings and to share their experiences with others.

This course was held in:

• Zagreb, Croatia (several times)
  
• Egypt Cairo, for WHO Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean
• Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Target Audience

Epidemiologists, social scientists, public health professionals.