Noba AV, Angoran H, Billy D, Maurice C, Coulibaly-Djeneba T, Mangle H, Tanoe JM, Shaffer N, Nolan M, Ekpini ER, Witkor SZ, Laga M; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePeF6730.

Projet Retro-ci, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

ISSUES: PMTCT pilot projects are needed to guide a nationwide implementation. The objective of this project was to integrate a PMTCT package (HIV test, AZT, replacement feeding) in a maternal and child health center (MCHC) strengthened with community mobilization, medical and psycho-social support, and referral systems. DESCRIPTION: The program started in February 2001 by the training of health care workers (HCW) to develop skills and tools for monitoring and evaluation. The program includes: group counseling sessions, free HIV testing with same-day results, provision of free AZT, counseling of and support to mothers on infant feeding options, and free infant formula. A referral system was created, and community mobilization is conducted to improve the uptake of the intervention. LESSONS LEARNED: From April to September 2001, 3,914 pregnant women had received a group counseling. Of the 698 in their third trimester of pregnancy who were offered HIV testing, 491 (70%) accepted to be tested. 10% (49/491) of them were HIV-positive. Of the 27 who had delivered, 22 (82%) took AZT. Only 33% (9/27) of mothers formula-fed their children. Only 6 (1.2%) partners were tested for HIV. Physical infrastructure development was critical to improve work conditions of HCWs and to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Community mobilization involving NGOs, political and religious leaders, local radio and associations of persons living with HIV/AIDS to promote PMTCT have been established to enhance the program uptake. Finally, a referral system is being developed to care for mothers and their partners, and children. RECOMMENDATIONS: Efforts should be made to include community mobilization and referral to support and care when implementing PMTCT programs.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• AIDS Vaccines
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Child
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Counseling
• Disease Transmission, Vertical
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Infant
• Mothers
• Pilot Projects
• Pregnancy
• Prenatal Care
• Zidovudine
• therapy
• transmission

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0014812

UI: 102252310

From Meeting Abstracts