Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A checklist was also used to collect information on implementation of quality assurance QA systems at all levels of the NHLS in the study areas. Of the dispensaries, Thirty nine HFs 12 hospitals, 21 HCs and six dispensaries were assessed and All laboratories were using rapid diagnostic tests for HIV testing.
Most of the biochemical Diagnostic and supportive services for HIV were available in most of the HCs and hospitals while few dispensaries were providing the services. Due to limitations such as shortage of staff, serving of equipment and participation in QA programmes, the NHLS should be strengthened to ensure adequate human resource, implementation of QA and sustainable preventive maintenance services of equipment.
Although a significantly large amount of resources has been invested in HIV diagnostics and therapeutics over the past decade, more than 2. In Tanzania, HIV remains the main public health problem with enormous impact on human health and subsequently on economic development [ 3 ]. In Tanzania, the HIV care and treatment plan required a major improvement of the health system including health laboratories for not only providing ARTs, but also monitoring the disease in 1.
Strong and efficient national health laboratory systems NHLSs and networks capable of providing high quality services are critical components of the health system of any country.
However, the NHLSs of most resource-poor countries RPCs are faced with multiple challenges including shortage of financial resources, skilled and trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure including reliable electricity, water supply and physical infrastructure and inadequate laboratory equipment [ 5 โ 8 ].
