Apr 23, 2025 - 7 MIN READ

Scaling Up HIV Viral Load Testing: What I Learned from Strengthening Jakarta’s Health System

Reflections from leading DKI Jakarta’s viral load scale-up—from 10% to 90% coverage—and practical lessons for improving laboratory and referral systems.

Alan Vahlevi

When I supported the scale-up of HIV Viral Load (VL) testing across DKI Jakarta, the system was fragmented, underutilized, and logistically inconsistent. Testing coverage sat below 10%, and many PLHIV did not receive timely monitoring.

Over the next year, we implemented:

standardized specimen referral pathways
facility mentoring and job aids
dashboard-based monitoring tools
coordination between PHO, DHOs, and clinical sites

The results were clear: VL coverage exceeded 90%, turnaround time dropped, and facilities gained sustainable systems.

In this article, I break down what worked, what didn’t, and what health systems can replicate nationwide.

Implementing Indonesia’s First PrEP Program: Lessons from the Frontline

A behind-the-scenes look at coordinating Indonesia’s first PrEP pilot program, collaborating with MoH, WHO, UNAIDS, and service providers.