Stakeholders’ perspective on inclusion of key populations unique identifier codes in routine health information management system in South Africa

Abstract

Background: The global community has set an ambitious goal of ending HIV as a public health risk by 2030. To achieve this, South Africa must have a robust routine health information management information system (RHIMS) that provides programmatic data disaggregated by key populations (KPs) to enable effective HIV response.
Objectives: To explore key stakeholders’ perspectives regarding the incorporation of KPs unique identifier codes (UICs) in the RHIMS in terms of opportunities, procedures, vulnerabilities, challenges, and considerations for enhancement in tracking the HIV care cascade in South Africa.
Method: We conducted an exploratory, descriptive study that had three phases. First, we conducted stakeholder analysis and mapping using the power-interest matrix (Phase one). Second, we performed a qualitative document analysis (Phase two). Third, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 stakeholders (Phase three).
Results: We mapped 100 stakeholders according to their power and interest regarding the KPs UICs inclusion in RHIMS, with the South African National AIDS Council and the National Department of Health being the primary stakeholders. Stakeholders highlighted the KPs UIC facilitators as District Health Information System (DHIS) policy support, integration with TIER.Net and DHIS, data security, improved monitoring and evaluation, and KP-targeted programming. Stakeholders also cited resistance to change, stigma and discrimination, data privacy, and security as key concerns for the inclusion of KPs UICs in the RHIMS.
Conclusion: Stakeholders support the inclusion of KPs UICs in public health data collection tools, emphasising its role in improving monitoring and evaluation, resource allocation, and KP-specific programming.