1. A combined multi-channel mobilization & home-based HCT strategy improves male involvement & outcomes for PMTCT in a rural Eastern Uganda district
Background: HIV remains an important challenge in Uganda, and for Kamuli district it is characterized by:
Low male involvement in services
Low HCT uptake (37% male, 62% female)
Low disclosure & adherence to care & treatment
Weak community linkages
Low retention of mother-baby pairs in PMTCT services (<25%)
Increased risk of MTCT (19-21%).

2. Pregnant mothers attend integrated ANC and PMTCT service outreach
Intervention: A four-year community-oriented PMTCT-Plus project ( ).
Purpose:
Increasing availability of and access to quality comprehensive services for PMTCT;
strengthening community systems for improved client referral and follow-up.
Target group: HIV pregnant women, their babies and spouses
Pregnant mothers attend integrated ANC and PMTCT service outreach

3. Approach: multi-channel mobilization & community linkage strategies:
local forum theatre;
community dialogues;
Family support groups for peer support and follow-up;
A home-based HCT, care & support model.
HCT Counsellor performs HIV Counselling and Testing to a couple in a home setting

4. Results: Couple HCT & disclosure increased by 60% & 53% respectively
PMTCT completion increased by 83% general Vs. 96% among disclosure group (p=0.01)
MTCT reduced by: 76% (non-disclosure) vs. 95% (disclosure group) (p<0.01)

5. Quote: “I had known I was HIV positive but feared to disclose to my husband for fear even when he became sickly. But when I heard about home testing I invited the health workers myself to my home and both my husband and I tested and he has now joined care” –beneficiary. Community-oriented HIV care approaches that target men improve male involvement in HIV/PMTCT services, reduce stigma, promote disclosure/adherence and improved retention/ outcomes
Conclusion

6. Thank you! Acknowledgement: Plan Germany
Kamuli District Local Government
Esteemed beneficiaries, peer support teams and communities in Kamuli District
Thank you!