1. 1 Integrating Early Infant Diagnosis in PMTCT Services through EID Care Points at rural health facilities in Uganda :Lesson learned Maria Najjemba/District Nursing Officer Mayuge District, Uganda

2. INTRODUCTION The improvement work was done in 5 Health facilities offering PMTCT and Pre ART/ART service in Mayuge a rural district in Eastern Uganda – Africa. The Intervention was tested by the District Health Department working with the Health Unit Health workers. The clients were mothers on the PMTCT Program and the exposed infants.

3. PROBLEM OVERVIEW Weak linkages existed between PMTCT and Early Infant Diagnosis. The number of HIV pregnant mothers(169) was high and that of exposed infants cared for (56) was low (Baseline). Exposed babies missed being tested or getting the necessary care. Little knowledge on how effective the PMTCT service were.

4. INTERVENTION Trained health workers in Quality Improvement and supported mentoring and coaching. Established EID Care points with the help of implementing partners Introduced referral forms to the EID care point at all expected entry points for exposed infants. Introduced referral forms in Ante Natal Care and gave appointments at 6 weeks after the Expected Date of Delivery. Infants followed up through phone calls and home visits.

5. RESULTS

7. LESSONS LEARNED If mothers of exposed infants are mobilized, they are willing to take up the required services. EID care points are good for measuring the impact of a PMTCT program. Small changes can also make improvements. EID care points do not cost much to establish yet they provide an opportunity to improve on the care of the exposed infants.

8. CONCLUSION If pregnant mothers are counselled well during Ante Natal care on PMTCT and the required regimen are given, there are higher chances of having HIV Negative infants. The easiest way to know this is through testing the exposed infants which can be easily done through the EID Care points.

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT USAID Health Care Improvement Project – Training, sponsorship Ministry of Health Mayuge District Local Government Implementing Partners (STAR-EC) Team members to the Conference My Family

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