From first jab to the next: The data system tracking South Africa’s LEN roll-out

South Africa's LEN roll-out began in June, with the aim of preventing HIV through twice-yearly injections. However, the success of the program cannot be measured solely by the number of first doses administered. Health officials require data on whether individuals return for subsequent doses to evaluate the program's effectiveness. By 15 October, nearly 79,000 people had received their first LEN dose, and the initial group for their second dose will receive it in early December.

To better understand the roll-out, the health department relies on a digital system called SyNCH, which connects LEN clinics across all provinces except the Western Cape, which utilizes a separate system. SyNCH, developed by Health Systems Trust and ASG Technologies, allows health workers to view a person's previous LEN doses when they visit another participating clinic, even if it is in a different province.

This feature is particularly beneficial in a nation where people frequently relocate for work, studies, or personal reasons.

Unlike the Western Cape, where LEN users can access clinics within the province and maintain their records, SyNCH clinics outside the Western Cape share patient information across regions. While South Africa is yet to establish a comprehensive national electronic patient record, the LEN system demonstrates what is achievable when clinics can share crucial data about individual patients' care.

The system's impact extends beyond individual patients. The data entered at clinics is compiled into a LEN dashboard, enabling health officials to monitor the roll-out without depending on delayed reports from the health system. This dashboard provides insights into the number of individuals opting for LEN or the daily HIV prevention pill, broken down by age, gender, and area—from provincial levels to individual clinics.

This information can address critical questions such as the age group utilizing LEN, regional performance, reach, and accessibility. These disparities matter because a national total may conceal local issues.