With support from the Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Global Fund (GF) and in alignment with WHO recommendation, FHI 360 subcontracted by PSI to provide targeted M&E technical assistance (TA) to the national and subnational governments, the principal recipient (PR) and sub-recipients (SRs) in GF supported states (Anambra, Ebonyi, Kwara, and Gombe) in Nigeria. 

This is aimed at enabling the expanded use of HIV self-testing (HIVST) and performance management of HIVST programmes within the context of an optimal HTS strategy. FHI 360 has the mandate to identify the data needed to support HIVST performance, support collate and synthesize existing HIVST and other related data into a clear, sharable, and actionable dashboard with the aim of providing regular insights to support HTS program management and consolidate data into full HIVST cascade reporting according to standard indicators.

Our approach is based on WHO’s recommendation for optimizing HIVST implementation strategies, setting up of measurement standards for full cascade reporting, and high-dose targeted M&E TA. This led to the development of a comprehensive framework for full HIVST cascade implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

With strong collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH)/ National AIDS and STDs Control Program (NASCP) and State Ministries of Health (SMOH), SACA, the GF PR (IHVN) and SRs, there has been a strong commitment to the full HIVST cascade implementation, monitoring and reporting.

Milestones:

• Developed a comprehensive HIVST monitoring framework, program flow, and data source for achieving the full cascade of HIVST, service delivery processes, indicator measurement, and required documentation for full cascade reporting.
• Collaborated with focal persons from HTS & SI units of FMOH/ NASCP to develop a capacity development plan, training curriculum, and facilitators as Trainers of Trainees (TOT) for the HIVST training in Ebonyi, Anambra, Kwara, and Gombe State. 
• Joint facilitation and supportive site visits with NASCP/ SASCP/ SACA/ SRs at the HIVST M&E capacity strengthening across the four states.
• Collaboration with all stakeholders resulted in seamless data sharing with FHI 360 by the SRs.
• Designed the HIVST addendum form to incorporate the full cascade reporting by priority population.
• Regular meetings with stakeholders; National Coordinator FMOH/ NASCP, HTS & Strategic Information units of FMOH/ NASCP, PR & SRs on the PSI/CIFF/GF HIVST project and HIVST strategy reviewed in line with WHO’s recommendation for optimizing HIV testing services and measurement standards.