CAM-HERO ABSTRACTS 2026

Stratified Evaluation of Quality Management Practices in HIV Rapid Testing Laboratories: Evidence from the South Region of Cameroon

Authors:
Abanda Emmanuel Chafah, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, ATHECS Project, GTR-SIDA/NACC/ICAP Global Health, PEPFAR–CDC Atlanta, West Region, Cameroon; PhD Candidate, Texila American University, Guyana
Dr Tshimwanga Katayi Eduouard, Technical Director, CBCHB/SPHLS Project sponsored by PEPFAR via CDC Atlanta, Yaounde, Cameroon
Dr. Sylvie Anne Kwedi Nolna, Technical Director, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), Washington, D.C., United States
Dr. Nshom Emmanuel Mboh, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager/AIDS Care and Prevention Program, Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
Dr. Bodzewan Emmanuel Fony, Managing Director at College of State Registered Nurses, Bamenda, Cameroon
Dr. Awandem Ernest Forku, Technical Project Advisor, CBCHB/ SPHLS Project, Douala, Cameroon
Dr. Fabric Djouma Nembot, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon
Dr Agbornkwai Nyenti Agbor, Country Representative and Project Director, Family Health International (FHI360), Bafoussam, Cameroon

Abstract ID: 337

Event: CAM-HERO 2026

Category: Implementation Science

Presenter Name: Abanda Emmanuel Chafah

Presenter Preference: Poster

Keywords: HIV rapid testing, SPI-RRT, quality assurance

Background: High-quality HIV rapid testing is essential for accurate diagnosis, timely treatment initiation, and progress toward HIV epidemic control. Despite the national scale-up of HIV testing in Cameroon, variations in quality management practices across facilities may compromise diagnostic reliability. This study examined disparities in the quality of HIV rapid testing by donor support, organizational affiliation, and geographic location.

Methods: A cross-sectional evaluation was conducted among 99 HIV rapid testing laboratories in the South Region of Cameroon from 2022 to 2024 using the World Health Organization Stepwise Process for Improving the Quality of HIV Rapid Testing (SPI-RRT). Seven core quality elements were assessed. Facilities were stratified by donor support and organizational affiliation, and performance was classified into readiness Levels 0-4. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Key findings are presented in Table 1 (donor support), Table 2 (organizational affiliation), and Figure 1 (district-level readiness).

Results: PEPFAR-supported laboratories achieved a higher mean overall SPI-RRT score (59 ± 4) than non-PEPFAR-supported facilities (14 ± 6) (Table 1). Only 12% of laboratories reached Level 3 or 4 readiness for certification. Community-based organizations recorded the highest mean score (50 ± 3), while government (28 ± 21), faith-based (25 ± 23), and private facilities (25 ± 17) showed lower and variable performance (Table 2). District-level analysis indicated higher readiness in Sangmelima and Kribi, whereas most rural districts remained at Level 0 or 1 (Figure 1).

Conclusions: HIV rapid testing quality in the South Region of Cameroon is strongly influenced by donor support, organizational affiliation, and district context. Strengthening mentorship, supervision, and continuous quality improvement is critical to improving accreditation readiness and ensuring reliable HIV diagnosis, with implications for HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

Keywords: HIV rapid testing; quality assurance; SPI-RRT