Table 1

Parameters used to assess the quality of HIV surveillance systems in the Middle East and North Africa countries

ParameterDescriptionScoring
Timeliness of data collectionNumber of times surveys were conducted in 2007–2011 in TB and STI patients, pregnant women, FSW, MSM and IDUs.Range: from 0 if no survey was done, to a maximum of 30 if surveys were done in each of these groups annually between 2007 and 2011.
Appropriateness of populations under surveillanceFor low-level HIV epidemics: implementation of at least one survey in FSW and MSM and IDUs in the period 2007–2011;
For concentrated epidemics: at least one survey in FSW and MSM and IDUs, and one round of a survey in pregnant women in at least one urban site;
For generalised epidemics: at least one survey in pregnant women at urban and rural sites, or a national-level general population survey.
0=non-appropriate system
1=appropriate system
Consistency of the surveillance sites and groups over timeThe extent to which a surveillance system enables assessment of epidemic trends in the same populations and locations over time.0=no pattern of consistency in urban and rural sentinel sites in facility-based surveys and IBBSS
1=there is some repetition in sites and at least two rounds of surveillance surveys in at least one group at risk were implemented
2=a clear pattern of consistency is evident and at least three rounds of surveys in at least one group were implemented, appropriate to the epidemic context.
Coverage of the surveillance systemThe extent to which a surveillance system is set up in key geographical areas0=poor coverage
1=surveillance activities appropriate for the epidemic context are operational in major urban areas.4 5
2=surveillance activities are set up in the parts of the country outside of major urban areas (substantial national coverage)
  • FSW, female sex workers; IBBSS, integrated bio-behavioural surveillance survey; IDUs, injecting drug users; MSM, men who have sex with men; STI, sexually transmitted infection; TB, tuberculosis.