HIV / AIDS

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HIV/AIDS Epidemiology

PLEASE NOTE: This page only presents a brief summary of the HIV Epidemiology Section's activities and general HIV/AIDS data including the 'Biannual Sumary'. More detailed information on case reporting of HIV, AIDS, CD4 and perinatal exposure and how to request additional general HIV/AIDS data can be accessed at: http://www.health.state.pa.us/hiv-epi/ . The latest specialized HIV/AIDS Epidemiologic data for prevention and care planning is contained in the Integrated Epidemiologic Profile of HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania.

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM:

The purpose of HIV/AIDS surveillance/case reporting is to conduct ongoing systematic measurement and evaluation of the occurrence of HIV/AIDS across Pennsylvania, and monitor the rate of HIV infection and other associated diseases characteristics over time by risk groups, population demographics, and geographic subgroups, and

The purpose of applied HIV/AIDS Epidemiology consulting support for HIV prevention and care programs is as follows:

Support for HIV/AIDS prevention and care program planning and policy development through analysis, interpretation and dissemination of the Epidemiologic data collected for use in planning and targeting of HIV prevention and care intervention activities.
Support for HIV/AIDS intervention program development, implementation, monitoring of service utilization/delivery and evaluation of outcomes through conducting applied Epidemiology consultation, research and training.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:

Our HIV/AIDS Case Reporting/Surveillance services entail monitoring of HIV Disease Burden through HIV/AIDS & Perinatal Exposure Case Reporting and HIV Incidence Surveillance:

Design, coordinate and conduct surveillance activities to assure all HIV/AIDS and perinatal exposure cases diagnosed or treated in Pennsylvania are reported according to the Department of Health regulations.
Design and conduct supplemental HIV surveillance to monitor the likelihood of new HIV infections (incidence surveillance).
Design and conduct studies to evaluate the effectiveness of surveillance activities, redirecting activities as indicated.
Coordinate Field Surveillance:
- Collaborate with local Health Departments to establish liaison with hospitals and clinics, laboratories, physicians, drug registries, correctional facilities, and other public agencies to enhance the identification and reporting of HIV cases.
- Conduct epidemiologic investigations of cases reported with an unidentified mode of transmission, occupationally exposed health care workers, cases receiving blood transfusions after 1985, and other cases of epidemiologic importance.
- Provide consultation, professional and technical assistance, and training to county and municipal health departments and district health offices on case reporting/surveillance.
Coordinate Electronic Laboratory Reporting(ELR) of HIV and CD4 T-lymphocyte test results:
- Coordinate and assure reporting of reportable laboratory test results by all national and state laboratories that perform HIV and CD4 T-lymphocyte tests on specimens from Pennsylvania.
Perform Data Management and General Data Analyses:
- Maintain a secure, confidential registry of all reported cases of HIV/AIDS that includes epidemiologic, demographic, and clinical information for individual cases. Validate each case for accuracy and completeness and update when new information is received.
- Perform general HIV/AIDS registry data analyses and publish a standard biannual summary for distribution to general HIV/AIDS data end-users such as health care providers, health policy planners, educators, and AIDS service organizations. These data are provided below in the Biannual Summary and Regional Trend Tables
Additional information on HIV/AIDS case reporting/surveillance, data management and general HIV/AIDS data can be accessed below. at: http://www.health.state.pa.us/hiv-epi/

Our HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Consulting services entail coordinating and providing collaborative Epidemiology support for HIV/AIDS prevention and care program planning, development, implementation, service delivery/utilization monitoring, outcome evaluation and capacity development:

Provide consultation to prevention and care policy developers, program planners and implementing partners at the regional, county and municipal health departments, and district health offices.
Analyze HIV/AIDS registry data, collaborate with partner programs to analyze related data and publish results for distribution and utilization by health care providers, health policy planners, educators, and HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Address supplemental planning and program implementation research needs by designing and conducting/commissioning supplemental/special Epidemiologic research studies to monitor:
- Impact of prevention interventions on trends in HIV risk behavior,
- HIV prevention and care service monitoring (including prevention evaluation, unmet needs for basic medical care and gaps in services),
- Adverse treatment outcomes such as antiretroviral drug resistance, and
- Other factors pertaining to HIV and associated diseases.
Coordinate applied HIV Epidemiology capacity development through providing professional and technical assistance, training to prevention and care policy developers/program planners and implementing partners at the regional, county/municipal health departments, and district health offices.
For additional Epidemiology data in support of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Programs click here => Integrated Epidemiologic Profile of HIV/AIDS in Pennsylvania .

To view HIV/AIDS Biannual Summaries & Other Reports click here.