Getting to zero AIDS-related deaths is a crucial goal of global and national HIV control programs. Unfortunately, the vast majority of African countries most affected by HIV epidemics, often lack reliable data on causes of death. In such settings, it is thus difficult to assess the pace of progress towards this objective in real time. The goal of this project is to develop and test new methods to measure the burden of HIV-related mortality in Malawi, and other east and south African countries. To do so, we will conduct a number of survey experiments and validation studies, designed to rapidly generate accurate mortality data. These experiments will rely in large part on the use of mobile data collection tools, as well as on the analysis of existing data on HIV incidence and mortality from several long-standing cohort studies. If accurate, the new data will yield direct estimates of the excess mortality faced by persons living with HIV in a country. This promises to significantly strengthen the evaluation of HIV care and treatment programs in African countries.  

PI Mentor: Stephane Helleringer