WHO Concept Note: Surveillance of HIV Drug Resistance in Populations Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy (Pre-treatment HIV Drug Resistance)

Nationally representative surveillance of HIVDR in populations initiating a standard triple-drug ART combination is critical to inform the selection of effective first-line ART combinations, as well as adequate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens.

The purpose of this survey is to calculate (a) a nationally representative prevalence estimate of HIVDR among all ART initiators, and (b) a nationally representative prevalence estimate of HIVDR among initiators without prior exposure to ARV drugs.