Linkage to National Databases to Enhance Programme Evaluation

HIV care involves a web of local clinics and laboratories throughout South Africa. In the emergency phase of the epidemic, monitoring and evaluation took a backseat to HIV care. Currently HIV care takes place at over 3,000 local clinics throughout South Africa. Laboratory test from the labs and patient records from the clinics provide potentially useful sources of data for monitoring and evaluation of the National treatment programme currently and historically. Linkage of patient records to the National Vital Registration system has improved ascertainment of vital status and treatment outcomes. HE²RO continues to pursue diverse sources of data and data linkage to improve accuracy of site- and national-level evaluations.