Provision of care following prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission services in resource-limited settings.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the provision of care for mother and child after institution of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services.


METHODS
As part of an effort to improve services, we undertook a review of our multicountry PMTCT program.


METHODS
Review of key indicators from our PMTCT database and reporting practices from January 2005 to June 2006 throughout 18 resource-limited countries.


RESULTS
1 066 606 pregnant women were counseled and tested, and 102 336 tested HIV-positive. Antiretroviral prophylaxis was dispensed to 81 384 mothers and 52 342 HIV-exposed infants. From available reporting, 1388 pregnant women were dispensed antiretroviral drugs for treatment and 9060 children received cotrimoxazole prophylaxis at 6 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
PMTCT services are integrated into maternal-child health services but adult and pediatric care and treatment programs often function independently, without coordination or linkages. Integrating care into maternal-child health services and linking mother's HIV status to child are necessary for HIV-infected mothers and HIV-exposed children to receive appropriate follow-up and treatment.
Ginsburg
Amy Sarah
AS
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Santa Monica, CA, USA. rmuga.germanstrias@gencat.net
Hoblitzelle
Charles W
CW
Sripipatana
Tabitha L
TL
Wilfert
Catherine M
CM
D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation