Importance of Madagascar's HIV/AIDS reference laboratory.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe the challenge faced by the national reference laboratory to support the national HIV/AIDS response in Madagascar.

METHODS

Collaboration between the National Reference Laboratory of Madagascar (NRLM) and foreign partners (a laboratory and an international organization) on the basis of a tripartite agreement. The aim was to offer virological analysis to 259 HIV-infected patients.

RESULTS

An alarming proportion (13.9%) of drug resistance among HIV-infected patients was observed.

CONCLUSION

The NRLM contributed to improving the fight against HIV in Madagascar and led to the revision of national therapeutic guidelines. Strengthening reference laboratories has to be a priority in developing countries.