Mealiny Sokun Sau1, Maya Balamane2, Mark Lurie3, Joseph Harwell4, Emily Welle5, Chhivun Mean1, Susan Cu-Uvin6. 1. National Center for HIV/AIDS Dermatology and STDs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 2. School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA maya_balamane@alumni.brown.edu. 3. School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. 4. Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA. 5. Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA. 6. Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Elimination of pediatric HIV requires a robust program for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). The goal of this study was to assess the implementation of these services in Cambodia. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in Bantey Meanchey at 2 sites. Staff reviewed daily clinic and laboratory registration logs to gather data on PMTCT service access among antenatal women. RESULTS: A total of 12 140 pregnant women received antenatal care. Only 4034 (33.2%) received pre-HIV test counseling. Of which 3407 (84.5%) received an HIV test. Eighteen (94.7%) of 19 women testing HIV-seropositive received triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) medication. Fifteen HIV-exposed infants were delivered during the study. One infant tested HIV positive and is on ARV medication. CONCLUSION: Acceptance for HIV testing was high among women who received pretest counseling. An increase in the number of counselors may improve the rates of HIV testing. Follow-up mechanisms targeting mother-baby pairs should focus on increasing timely service uptake in the public sector.
BACKGROUND: Elimination of pediatric HIV requires a robust program for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). The goal of this study was to assess the implementation of these services in Cambodia. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in Bantey Meanchey at 2 sites. Staff reviewed daily clinic and laboratory registration logs to gather data on PMTCT service access among antenatal women. RESULTS: A total of 12 140 pregnant women received antenatal care. Only 4034 (33.2%) received pre-HIV test counseling. Of which 3407 (84.5%) received an HIV test. Eighteen (94.7%) of 19 women testing HIV-seropositive received triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) medication. Fifteen HIV-exposed infants were delivered during the study. One infant tested HIV positive and is on ARV medication. CONCLUSION: Acceptance for HIV testing was high among women who received pretest counseling. An increase in the number of counselors may improve the rates of HIV testing. Follow-up mechanisms targeting mother-baby pairs should focus on increasing timely service uptake in the public sector.