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Siting of HIV/AIDS diagnostic equipment in South Africa: a case study in locational analysis
Author(s) -
Smith Honora K.,
Smith Jon P.,
Glencross Deborah K.,
Cassim Naseem,
Coetzee Lindi M.,
Carmona Sergio,
Stevens Wendy
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international transactions in operational research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.032
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1475-3995
pISSN - 0969-6016
DOI - 10.1111/itor.12366
Subject(s) - human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , order (exchange) , health care , ideal (ethics) , operations research , environmental planning , business , computer science , geography , medicine , economic growth , economics , engineering , political science , family medicine , finance , law
Abstract This paper describes a practical application of locational analysis to the siting of HIV/AIDS diagnostic equipment in laboratories across South Africa. Classical location analytical techniques were extended to ensure that laboratories are sited as close as possible to major centers of demand from hospitals and clinics. A particular advantage of the modified set covering algorithm developed is that choices between laboratory sites are made in a transparent manner. In order to find appropriate numbers and ideal placement of CD4 laboratories, runs were undertaken for various scenarios based on maximum travel time from health facilities to laboratory sites. Results demonstrated to decision makers showed close comparisons with pilot review projects undertaken in four health districts of South Africa. The research has potential to impact health‐care delivery to HIV sufferers in the poorest rural regions of the country.