What is HIV Sentinel surveillance?
Ans. HIV Sentinel surveillance is an epidemiological tool by which samples of pre-designed sample size are collected over time, from among the identified risk groups known as sentinel groups. This sample size represents the larger group with similar risk and other characteristics. Q. What is “Unlinked Anonymity in HIV Sentinel surveillance? Ans. In HIV Sentinel surveillance, unlinked anonymity means that the blood is primarily collected for some other purpose and the results are not linked to any individual. This methodology is adopted in order to minimize participation bias in the whole procedure.
HIV sentinel surveillance can be defined as “collection of epidemiological information of sufficient accuracy and completeness regarding the distribution and spread of HIV infection to be relevant to the planning and implementation of the programme on HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities”. Sentinel Surveillance in Bihar The Sentinel Surveillance in the State started from the year 1998 with two ANC and three STD sites. Currently there are 8 STD and 7 ANC sites, 2 FSW and 1 MSM site. (Details are given in the Table).
