On April 30, the Government of Mozambique, led by the National Institute of Health (INS), launched the National Survey on the Impact of HIV and AIDS in Mozambique, known as INSIDA 2021, to understand the current reach of Mozambique’s national HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.

Officiated by the Minister of Health, Honorable Armindo Tiago, the launch was held in Xai-Xai city of Gaza Province. Key survey partners including ICAP at Columbia University and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were represented.

At the launch event, participants visited tents to understand various components of the survey including community mobilization, data collection, laboratory activities, and post-survey procedures. They also visited two volunteer households, who were not selected for the actual survey, to experience a demonstration of survey entry procedures. A mobile laboratory was also available to demonstrate how samples are collected.

As part of the Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) project, INSIDA 2021 will reach approximately 11,000 randomly selected households across all 11 provinces of Mozambique. Survey staff members have been trained to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioral information in a confidential manner from consenting participants. As HIV testing and counseling is provided, participants will receive their test results in the same way and those who test positive and are not on antitretroviral therapy will be referred to a health facility of their choice.

ICAP’s global director and co-principal investigator of INSIDA, Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, MPA, MPH, joined the launch celebrations and subsequently observed community mobilization and data collection processes in two separate survey enumeration areas.

“INSIDA 2021 is a very needed survey for us to better understand the progress made in Mozambique’s HIV response in Mozambique in recent years” said Erika Fazito, PhD, technical specialist at ICAP for the PHIA project. “After a long delay in data collection due to COVID-19, we look forward to getting on the ground and collecting this critical information.”

Data from the INSIDA survey will provide an in-depth understanding of HIV prevalence, incidence, care, and treatment in the country. This gives government leaders, medical professionals, civil society organizations and researchers a uniquely valuable guide to decision-making on HIV policy, programs and funding, leading to better health, stronger families, and a more prosperous nation.

The INSIDA 2021 survey team is currently collecting valuable data while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. To find the latest survey updates, visit the PHIA project’s website.