Background
Since most cases of Pediatric HIV/AIDS are maternally derived, these can be significantly reduced by focusing on the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).  There should be opportunity for HIV counselling and testing during pregnancy. However, in Nigeria like most African settings this is not the case with many of the mothers coming into labour with unknown HIV status

About the project
The overall objective of the project was to increase the number of pregnant women having access to PMTCT service. The specific objectives were to develop the necessary human and material resources HIV among pregnant women of unknown status in a labour room as well as integrate HIV testing among pregnant women of unknown status in routine labour ward practice. Activities conducted were advocacy and consensus building meetings, situation analysis and staff trainings in PMTCT emphasizing peculiarities of peripartum testing for HIV as well as monitoring and follow up.

Results
25 midwives and 84 physicians were more knowledgeable in counselling and testing for HIV and other PMTCT interventions compared to 9 and 30 before respectively. 72% (66.7% midwives and 72% physicians) of the health care provider were satisfied and were willing to continue the process of peripartum HIV and PMTCT service provision. Increase in the number of PMTCT users and increased patients’ satisfaction with services offered at postpartum clinic with 72.7% satisfied; 9.1% not satisfied while 18.2% were indifferent. The hospital incorporated training and re-training in counseling and use of rapid HIV testing as part of the routine activities of the labour room practice

Year: 2006