The use of a spatial information system in the management of HIV/AIDS in South Africa

The use of a spatial information system in the management of HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Blog Article

Abstract Background South Africa is experiencing an HIV/AIDS pandemic of shattering dimensions.The availability and HDMI Coupler provision of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs could bring relief to the situation, but the treatment is unfortunately complex with each patient being assigned a different antiretroviral therapy varying in diet-medication regiment.The context of South Africa, its variety of urban and rural settings adds to the challenge of administering and monitoring the HIV+ person throughout the treatment, which will last for the rest of their lives.The lack of physical infrastructure, reliable statistics and adequate resources hinder the efficient management of HIV/AIDS.

Results The collection of reliable data will be a first step to assess the status of HIV/AIDS in communities.A number of hospitals have started this process using the conventional approach to collect information about their patients using a paper-based system.Since time is of essence in the fight against the pandemic, data exchange between various hospitals, municipalities and decision-making bodies is becoming more and more important.The logical response to such a need is a computerised system, which will collect and administer HIV/AIDS related information within the local context and allow a monitored access to the data from a number of stakeholders.

Conclusions The purpose of this Quilt Set study was to design and develop an HIV/AIDS database, which is embedded in a Spatial Information Management System.The pilot study area is the Gugulethu township in Cape Town where more than 27% of the 325 000 residents are HIV+.It is shown that the implementation of the HIV/AIDS database and the Spatial Information Management System can play a critical role in determining where and when to intervene, improving the quality of care for HIV+ patients, increasing accessibility of service and delivering a cost-effective mode of information.