LaQSH Plus is a national laboratory systems strengthening initiative implemented under the CDC–PEPFAR cooperative agreement. The project provides strategic technical assistance to NACO under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), supporting progress toward the 95–95–95 HIV targets.

With a pan-India footprint — including focused support in North-East states and high-burden geographies — LaQSH Plus strengthens the reliability, reach, and resilience of HIV and STI laboratory systems across the public sector.

1. Viral Load Scale-Up & Optimization

We support operationalization of molecular laboratories for HIV-1 viral load testing through readiness assessments, capacity building, consumable planning, continuous quality improvement (CQI), and lab–clinic interface strengthening to meet national testing demand.

2. Laboratory Quality Management & Accreditation

We provide technical assistance for ISO 15189:2022 transition, QMS strengthening, documentation support, non-conformity closure, and national capacity building workshops to institutionalize quality standards across HIV laboratories.

3. External Quality Assurance & Digital Monitoring

We strengthen national EQAS through proficiency testing, root cause analysis support, and digital reporting platforms such as NACO Prayogshala. KPI dashboards and bulk-upload integrations improve turnaround time, reduce transcription errors, and enhance decision-making.

4. Differentiated Access to Viral Load Testing

We support community-led viral load camps, hub-and-spoke sample collection models, surge strategies in low-coverage districts, and resilient sample transportation systems to ensure uninterrupted services in hard-to-reach and crisis-affected settings.

5. Integrated Diagnostic Models

We demonstrate integrated screening platforms for women living with HIV, including cervical cancer and NCD screening, and support elimination of vertical transmission through strengthened Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) systems.

6. STI Laboratory Network Strengthening

We support etiological testing capacity, antibiotic resistance monitoring, national STI lab assessments, external quality assurance, and strategic consultations to strengthen India’s tiered STI laboratory network.

Viral Load & Coverage

• Supported operationalization and optimization of HIV viral load testing across public sector molecular laboratories nationwide.

• 74% viral load coverage achieved in surge-supported districts, including Mizoram.

• Viral load coverage increased from 9% to 94% in crisis-affected Churachandpur, Manipur through adaptive service models.

Laboratory Quality & Accreditation

• 9 laboratories fully accredited and 17 additional labs transitioned or applied under ISO 15189 standards.

• 396 high-volume HIV testing centres awarded the NACO Certificate of Excellence.

• 5,040+ HIV laboratories onboarded onto the NACO Prayogshala digital EQAS platform.

• 100% of VL and CD4 labs participating in proficiency testing through digital reporting.

Integrated Services & Digital Systems

• 13,849 women living with HIV screened for cervical cancer; 99% of pre-cancer cases successfully treated.

• Bulk-upload VL reporting reduced result upload time from 1–2 hours to under 5 minutes.

• Barcode-based sample tracking rolled out across multiple states, improving traceability and reducing reporting errors.