Abstract #400  -  Population-based second-generation HIV surveillance in Botswana and South Africa. A best practice undertaken by local researchers
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr. Boga Fidzani - NACA
Additional Authors:  Mr Richard  Matlhare,
Aim: Southern African contains about 2% of the world’s population, but it is home to approximately one third of all HIV-infected persons. Botswana and South Africa are two of the seven countries found in the region that have hyper-endemic HIV epidemics whereby HIV prevalence among adults aged 15-49 years of age exceeds 15% of the population. In order to obtain an understanding of the magnitude, scope and determinants of the HIV epidemics in each country and also to provide information to assist with both policy development and planning of national responses as well as to monitor and evaluate the impact of some of the national programmes, South Africa has conducted three population-based HIV second-generation surveillance surveys which involved HIV testing and interviews on HIV risk behaviours and other responses to the epidemic in 2002, 2005 and 2008 (known as SABSSMI, II and III) while Botswana did so twice in 2004 and 2008 (BAISI, II and III). However, the 2001 survey in Botswana focused only behavioural aspects of the epidemic and did not conduct HIV testing. The two countries therefore have three sets of time series data available on behavioural surveillance while South Africa also has three datasets on HIV prevalence and two on HIV incidence and Botswana has only two on HIV prevalence and one on HIV incidence. The two countries are the only ones which have conducted repeat population-based HIV second-generation surveillance surveys which have been conducted by teams of mainly local researchers. In this plenary session, the two country teams will share their findings from their two 2008 surveys which also include comparisons with data collected during the first two surveys where available. Each team will present their findings on HIV prevalence and HIV incidence as well as on behaviour and HIV communication at national and provincial or district level as is appropriate for each country. Apart from showcasing what is now recognized as a best practice for HIV surveillance, the presentations shall also highlight some of the successes that the two countries have achieved in their respective national responses so far and the challenges that remain.
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