An evaluation of PMTCT and follow-up infant HIV testing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

摘要: AN EVALUATION OF PMTCT AND FOLLOW-UP INFANT HIV TESTING IN KWAZULUNATAL, SOUTH AFRICA. Juliana Chen. Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. (Sponsored by Brian Forsyth, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School Medicine). Background: The primary cause pediatric infection is mother-to-child transmission, which can be reduced significantly interventions that include highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and (ARV) prophylaxis. Prevention transmission (PMTCT) programs serve as critical entry points for the provision testing treatment, though often remain poorly implemented underutilized. Such are especially in resource-limited settings have a heavy burden infection. Methods: Data were collected via retrospective medical record review pregnant women who accessed antenatal services at public sector program from December 2006 to June 2007. A supplementary with no prior history was conducted evaluate delivery. Finally, an analysis infant PCR assess rates follow-up among HIV-exposed infants. Results: High reveal half presenting care positive. Rates repeat during pregnancy delivery low. There high ARV prophylaxis mothers infants, less than two-thirds eligible initiated HAART. At most, only infants returned twelve weeks age. Of those tested, over 16% found Discussion: Despite significant enrollment acceptance pregnancy, gaps service and/or failures documentation result multiple missed opportunities. An inability link mother-infant pairs, poor lack coordination further limit overall effectiveness. More effective regimens will limited success without fundamental improvements Improved training protocols care, well development uniform data collection tools,