Stock management practices and the availability of HIV viral load reagents and consumables in Burundi public laboratories, a cross-sectional study design, from January to December 2023

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background Regularly monitoring viral load is crucial for managing HIV treatment and preventing drug resistance. Burundi National AIDS Control Program reports a gap in achieving viral load testing coverage for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Objective This study assessed the stock management practices and the availability of HIV testing reagents and consumables in Burundi public health laboratories with conventional equipment. Methods The study involved four public laboratories performing HIV viral load tests. Primary data were collected electronically using surveys, and secondary data were collected from stock management tools. Results The study identified significant deficiencies in stock management practices. For example, 38% of facilities must update stock cards, and 75% lack daily consumption sheets. Furthermore, practices for organizing, storing, and setting stock levels for reagents and consumables needed to be improved. Conclusion These findings suggest that poor stock management practices likely contribute to the limited availability of HIV viral load testing in Burundi. Improving these practices can ensure a consistent supply of testing materials, ultimately leading to better monitoring of PLHIV health and potentially improved treatment outcomes.