Experience in Piloting HIV Drug Resistance Early Warning Indicators to Improve the Antiretroviral Program in Papua New Guinea

In 2009, World Health Organization human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance early warning indicator monitoring was piloted at 2 large antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in Papua New Guinea: Heduru Clinic in Port Moresby and Tininga Clinic in Mount Hagen. Results demonstrated that both Heduru and Tininga clinics met internationally suggested targets for prescribing appropriate first-line ART regimens in accordance with national ART guidelines, retention on first-line ART at 12 months, and drug supply continuity. However, both clinics failed to achieve suggested targets for rates of loss to follow-up and on-time pill pickup. Reasons for poor clinic performance on loss to follow-up and on-time pill pickup were explored, and appropriate corrective actions were implemented.