Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Eritrea: the Eritrean experience

Abstract

one third of live deliveries can be reduced to <2% through antiretroviral prophylaxis. The study was done to determine the effectiveness of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS in Eritrea where skilled care delivery is less than 30%. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the use of IMCI guidelines in children presenting with diarrhea at Ghindae Hospital. Methods: The retrospective study analyzed medical records of pregnant HIV positive women and their children before the introduction of PMTCT in 2002, while the prospective study followed up children born to pregnant HIV positive women who received PMTCT from 2006 to 2008. Findings: Twenty seven and 4.8% of the children born to HIV positive women prior to and after PMTCT were HIV positive when tested for HIV using ELISA at 18 months. Conclusion: Health promotion targeted at scaling up skilled care delivery attendance can further reduce childhood morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: PMTCT, Antiretroviral drugs, skilled care delivery, counseling.