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Network Detection and Response

Network Detection and Response

What is Network Detection and Response?

HIV Network Detection and Response is a comprehensive set of tools and strategies that help to identify groups, networks, and communities disproportionately impacted by HIV transmission. This strategy offers a framework that utilizes data routinely reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to assess communities affected by increased HIV transmission in order to:

  • Identify and respond quickly to interrupt increases in HIV transmission in impacted communities.
  • Engage with members of HIV networks and communities to provide communication, support and link individuals to care and supportive services.
  • Identify gaps in prevention, treatment, and supportive services to help tailor response efforts and resources to prevent HIV transmission and better meet the needs of communities.

Network Detection and Response is an important component of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Plan. It is one of the key pillars to reach the goal of reducing new HIV infections by 75 percent by 2025 and by at least 90 percent by 2030. This goal will be accomplished through four objectives:

  1. Diagnose all people with HIV as early as possible.
  2. Treat people with HIV rapidly and effectively after diagnosis, achieving sustained viral suppression.
  3. Prevent new HIV transmissions through proven interventions, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and syringe service programs (SSPs).
  4. Respond quickly to potential increases in HIV to get needed prevention and treatment services to those who need them.

 

Ending the HIV Epidemic Response

What is the Benefit of Network Detection and Response?

Network Detection and Response leverages data and information routinely reported to MDHHS to identify increases in HIV transmission. This allows MDHHS to work with those affected by the network and community partners to respond by addressing gaps in important treatment and prevention resources. Examples of gaps that may allow for increased HIV transmission may include:

  • Missed opportunities for testing.
  • Low linkage to care.
  • Inadequate access to PrEP.
  • Limited access to sterile injection equipment.
  • Other service delivery strategies that do not meet clients’ needs.

The identification of an HIV network provides the opportunity to develop focused and tailored interventions. These interventions work to address the gaps identified through analysis and engagement with HIV networks members and impacted communities.

What tools does MDHHS utilize to identify and respond to HIV transmission networks?

MDHHS utilizes several tools and strategies to identify HIV transmission networks. These tools utilize data routinely reported to MDHHS to inform where HIV transmission is occurring. This helps to better allocate resources and respond in real-time to bring HIV prevention and treatment services and other interventions, as needed, to provide support. These tools include:

Each of these programs analyze data and information to assess increases in new diagnoses to help inform programmatic action. While each of these tools works with the same goal, they utilize different sets of data and information. They have different strengths which allow MDHHS to comprehensively review transmission patterns in communities and better inform intervention and outreach efforts.

Resources