To best take advantage of existing CD4 testing equipment in their respective countries, respondents suggested investing in repair and maintenance, at 39%; training personnel on the use of CD4 machines, at 19%; and ensuring that policies support CD4 testing, at 18%.

“Refurbish or service the machines and place them at district hospitals in districts that are failing to meet the global targets on HIV treatment,” suggested a respondent from Zimbabwe. “There is a need to revitalize the existing platforms and begin testing CD4 along with viral load,” said another respondent from Zimbabwe.

Equipment for CD4 cell count tests remains limited and lacks funding, but there are opportunities to improve and optimize current investments. Newer, more portable, and more user-friendly CD4 testing machines, for example, could make it easier for health workers to maintain the equipment. If something breaks down, it can easily be replaced by another module.

39%

Invest in repair and maintenance

While barriers to greater uptake exist, health care professionals agreed that CD4 cell count testing is essential for properly diagnosing AHD, as part of a range of interventions such as more training of health care workers, conducive government policies, more funding, and access to CD4 testing equipment. ■

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This visual story is part of Devex's "Advanced HIV Disease: Know Your Count" content series.