R4H limited sample transport collection, results reporting and optimization in malawi - to contribute to the 95-95-95 targets for HIV diagnosis, treatment and viral load suppression in malawi, R4H…

R4H limited sample transport collection, results reporting and optimization in malawi - to contribute to the 95-95-95 targets for HIV diagnosis, treatment and viral load suppression in malawi, R4H limited is committed to strengthening the sample transport and results reporting (STR). Optimizing STR routing and reducing turnaround times (TAT) will improve diagnostic support for TB, hepatitis, cervical cancer, and other conditions. R4H understands the challenges and commitment needed for efficiency gains to improve patient prognosis and care with timely access to advanced diagnostic services. The R4H team will explore new delivery systems, business models, technologies, options for interoperability and integration, and will provide consistent quality services to government and private health facilities to benefit people in all districts of malawi and to share successes widely. For the last decade, R4H has worked with the ministry of health (MOH), district councils, donors, partners, clients, and communities to develop and rollout an STR system based largely on motorcycle transport, digital tracking of collection and delivery of results, and road safety to collect samples from the hardest-to-reach areas and get them to district or molecular labs for analysis. R4H has been funded by CDC to provide STR for 716 health facilities in all 28 districts across malawi, and this new grant will provide much needed support to optimize the STR system. IT includes addition of new sites, samples and couriers, replacement of old motorcycles and equipment, and purchase of cold chain materials. R4H will continue with its high standards and training for road safety and handling of BIO-hazardous materials. R4H will assess needs and establish protocols and systems for the appropriate management of all types of lab waste. R4H has already processed 5.5MT of lab waste since 2019, and is committed to ensuring proper transport, storage and disposal at accredited sites. R4H will also support the MOH with accreditation/certification of additional pharma grade in cinerators. Updated indicators will allow for closer monitoring of sites covered by STR, facility sample collection and results reporting, sample processing at point of care and molecular labs, TAT for results uptake, supervision visits and outcomes, and data visualization and dashboards for partners to act to strengthen lab systems and improve on coordination and integration. R4H will enhance monitoring to respond to new and (RE-)emerging diseases. Participation in workshops and technical working groups will streamline efforts, reduce parallel systems, increase integration, and optimize resources to work towards a sustainable national STR system. Over the years, R4H has collected extensive data on site performance, supply, infrastructure, logistics, partnerships, quality, and innovations. This information will be used to optimize data collection and courier systems. Additional monitoring, optimization and technical staff will review operations and present IT at national and international forums. R4H actively participates in online communities to share challenges, ideas, and new technologies. R4H will also draw on the african network of riders for health to use their experience, suppliers and systems to optimize sample and results transport, logistics and waste management in malawi.