Effectiveness of the credit-line approach in supporting the functioning of CD4 equipment in Northern Uganda

2^nd International Conference on Health Informatics and Technology

July 27-29, 2015 Valencia, Spain

Vincent M Kiberu

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Health Med Informat

Abstract :

Improving laboratory service delivery requires a functioning logistics and supply system. Ministry of Health uses the credit line approach to provide laboratory supplies including commodities for the functioning of CD4 equipment. However, the role of this approach in supporting the functionality of CD4 equipment has not been explored. We assessed the effectiveness of the credit line approach in improving laboratory services delivery using the functionality of CD4 equipment as a proxy indicator. A crosssectional survey was conducted in 15 districts of mid northern Uganda between July and August 2014. Thirty five self and interviewer administered questionnaires were used to establish the functionality (i.e. ability of a CD4 equipment to carry out CD4 tests) and nonfunctionality of CD4 equipment, including reasons for non-functionality, at HC IIIs (7), HC IVs (18) and Hospitals (10) in Lango (17 facilities) and Acholi sub-regions (18 facilities). A total of 38 CD4 equipment were assessed at these facilities. SPSS version 17.0 was used for data entry and analysis. 26 out of 38 (68%) CD4 equipment was functional. Functionality of CD4 equipment was higher in hospitals (85%) followed by HC IVs (67%) but least in HC IIIs (43%). Functionality was also higher in Lango sub region (72%) which has more districts but less CD4 equipment compared to Acholi sub region (65%). Non- functionality of CD4 equipment was mainly due to lack of reagents and cartridges as well as low staffing levels of laboratory cadres with the skills necessary to operate the equipment. The credit line approach was effective in improving the functionality of CD4 equipment in the surveyed facilities. However, there is need to address issues of staffing and availability of reagents to enhance the functionality of CD4 equipment and improve patient care, especially at HC IIIs.