ProVIC Year 5 Quarterly Report: October–December 2013 (Quarter 1)

The project's primary objective was to improve HIV/AIDS services in target areas. The project's scope encompassed HIV counseling and testing, prevention services, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and health system strengthening. In Quarter 1 of Year 5, the project focused on Intermediate Result 1, which aimed to improve HIV counseling and testing and prevention services in target areas. Sub-IR 1.1, Communities' ability to develop and implement prevention strategies strengthened, was a key component of this intermediate result. The project team provided technical support to key populations, including men who have sex with men, in champion communities in Kinshasa, Province Orientale, and Katanga. This support aimed to reinforce access to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection prevention services. The project also implemented Sub-IR 1.2, Community- and facility-based HIV testing and counseling services enhanced. This involved the establishment of community-based HIV testing and counseling services, as well as the enhancement of facility-based services. The project team worked with local health facilities to improve the quality of HIV testing and counseling services, with a focus on increasing access to these services for key populations. In addition, the project implemented Sub-IR 1.3, PMTCT services improved. This involved the provision of technical support to health facilities to improve the quality of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services. The project team worked with health facilities to improve the testing and treatment of pregnant women for HIV, as well as the provision of antiretroviral therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The project also made progress in Intermediate Result 2, which aimed to improve care, support, and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children. Sub-IR 2.1, Care and support for PLWHA strengthened, involved the provision of technical support to health facilities to improve the quality of care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The project team worked with health facilities to improve the provision of antiretroviral therapy, as well as the provision of psychosocial support services to people living with HIV/AIDS. The project also made progress in Intermediate Result 3, which aimed to strengthen health systems. Sub-IR 3.1, Capacity of provincial government health systems supported, involved the provision of technical support to provincial government health systems to improve their capacity to deliver HIV/AIDS services. The project team worked with provincial government health systems to improve the planning, management, and delivery of HIV/AIDS services. Despite the challenges faced by the project, including delays in contractual approvals and data collection, the project was able to report progress in several areas. The project met 35% of its HIV testing and counseling target and 42% of its prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV target for the quarter. The project also reported an increase in the screening of infants exposed to HIV through collaborative improvement approaches. The project's pivot towards health facility services and provision of quality care was exemplified by the fact that 97% of HIV testing and counseling services were provided at a health facility. The project's focus on health facility services and provision of quality care is expected to improve the quality of HIV/AIDS services in target areas and contribute to the achievement of the project's objectives.