Research
The feasibility of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV using peer counselors in Zimbabwe
1 Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, USA
2 Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project-University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
3 Department of Pediatrics, University of Zimbabwe School of Medicine, Harare, Zimbabwe
4 University of Zimbabwe-University of California San Francisco Collaborative Program in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
5 Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Harare, Zimbabwe
6 Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe
7 Chitungwiza Health Department, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
8 Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, USA
AIDS Research and Therapy 2008, 5:17 doi:10.1186/1742-6405-5-17
Published: 1 August 2008Abstract
Background
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe.
Methods
Using trained peer counselors, a nevirapine (NVP)-based PMTCT program was implemented as part of routine care in urban antenatal clinics.
Results
Between October 2002 and December 2004, a total of 19,279 women presented for antenatal care. Of these, 18,817 (98%) underwent pre-test counseling; 10,513 (56%) accepted HIV testing, of whom 1986 (19%) were HIV-infected. Overall, 9696 (92%) of women collected results and received individual post-test counseling. Only 288 men opted for HIV testing. Of the 1807 HIV-infected women who received posttest counseling, 1387 (77%) collected NVP tablet and 727 (40%) delivered at the clinics. Of the 1986 HIV-infected women, 691 (35%) received NVPsd at onset of labor, and 615 (31%) infants received NVPsd. Of the 727 HIV-infected women who delivered in the clinics, only 396 women returned to the clinic with their infants for the 6-week follow-up visit; of these mothers, 258 (59%) joined support groups and 234 (53%) opted for contraception. By the end of the study period, 209 (53%) of mother-infant pairs (n = 396) came to the clinic for at least 3 follow-up visits.
Conclusion
Despite considerable challenges and limited resources, it was feasible to implement a PMTCT program using peer counselors in urban clinics in Zimbabwe.
