Guidelines

For
Prevention of Mother-to-Child
Transmission of HIV
In Ethiopia

Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office

Federal Ministry of Health
July 2007
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…IV
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………………………………………………………………...V
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVATIONS ……………………………………………………………... vi
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
I. OVERVIEW OF MTCT OF HIV ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE PMTCT PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 NATIONAL STRATEGY TO ADDRESS MTCT OF HIV/AIDS ......................................................................................................... 2

II. PMTCT INTERVENTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ALL LEVELS OF THE HEALTH SYSTEM......................................... 4

III. PRIMARY PREVENTION OF HIV INFECTION .................................................................................................................................. 6

IV. PREVENTION OF UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES IN HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN ................................................................................... 7

V. PREVENTION OF HIV TRANSMISSION FROM HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN TO THEIR INFANTS ............................................................. 9

5.1 HIV AND PREGNANCY.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.2 HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN WHO INTEND TO BECOME PREGNANT .................................................................................................. 10
5.3 ANTENATAL CARE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11
5.4 INTRA PARTUM CARE: LABOUR AND DELIVERY ........................................................................................................................ 15
5.5 POSTPARTUM CARE .................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.6 CARE OF INFANTS BORN TO HIV-POSITIVE MOTHERS .............................................................................................................. 21
5.7 INFANT FEEDING IN THE CONTEXT OF MATERNAL HIV.............................................................................................................. 24

VI. TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT TO HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN, THEIR INFANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ..................................... 25

VII. BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR USE OF ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS FOR PMTCT................................................................................... 26

VIII. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF CLINICAL CARE ............................................................................................................................ 28

8.1 INFECTION PREVENTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 28
8.2 REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AND RISK OF HIV TRANSMISSION ................................................................................. 28
8.3 POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP) FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE .................................................................................... 28

IX. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION ........................................................................................................................ 30

9.1 SERVICE DELIVERY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................. 30
9.2 STAFF PERFORMANCE AND MOTIVATION .................................................................................................................................. 30
9.3 REFERRALS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 31
9.4 MONITORING AND EVALUATION ................................................................................................................................................ 31

X. PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS .......................................................................................................................................................... 32

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

ANNEX ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
ANNEX A MINIMUM PMTCT PROGRAM PACKAGE ....................................................................................................................... 35
ANNEX B HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS BY CATEGORY ........................................................................................... 36
ANNEX C CHECKLIST: TALKING WITH PARENTS ABOUT THEIR CHILD’S POSITIVE HIV TEST RESULTS ........................................ 37
ANNEX D ANTENATAL CARE SERVICES FOR HIV POSITIVE OR HIV STATUS UNKNOWN PREGNANT WOMEN ............................. 38
ANNEX E CHECKLIST FOR PMTCT MONTHLY SITE SUPERVISION ............................................................................................... 40
ANNEX F: PMTCT INDICATORS .................................................................................................................................................... 43

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 TABLES
1. NATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR PMTCT................................................................................... .............................................................. 3
2. PMTCT INTERVENTIONS: COMMUNITY AND HEALTH SYSTEM .................................. .............................................................. 4
3. FAMILY PLANNING METHODS FOR HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN .......................................... .............................................................. 7
4. ESTIMATED RISK OF MTCT...................................................................................................... .............................................................. 9
5. CARE FOR HIV+ WOMEN CONSIDERING PREGNANCY .................................................... ............................................................10
6. POSTPARTUM CARE OF ALL WOMEN AND THEIR BABIES............................................. ............................................................19
7. CARE OF INFANTS BORN TO HIV-POSITIVE MOTHERS ................................................... ............................................................21
8. HIV TESTING OF INFANTS BORN TO HIV-POSITIVE MOTHERS .................................... ............................................................23
9. INFANT FEEDING: KEY MESSAGES ....................................................................................... ........................................................... 24
10. SUMMARY OF TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES ....................................... ............................................................25
11. PRINCIPLES FOR ANTIRETROVIRAL MEDICATION USE FOR PMTCT ................................... ..............................................................27
12. POTENTIAL GAPS AND STRATEGIES TO INCREASE PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS........ ............................................................32

FIGURES

1. TESTING AND COUNSELLING (TC) IN PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD

TRANSMISSION IN THE ANTENATAL SETTING.................................................................................................................... 13
2. TESTING AND COUNSELLING (TC) IN PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD
TRANSMISSION IN LABOUR AND DELIVERY SETTING .................................................................................................... 17
3. INFANT FEEDING COUNSELLING FOR HIV-POSITVE WOMEN
IN THE CONTEXT OF HIV/AIDS ................................................................................ ......................................................24

BACK POCKET UPDATES

1. Effects of antiretroviral (ARV) medications available in Ethiopia on cyclical oral contraceptives (COC)
2. Short course ARV prophylaxis for PMTCT in HIV-positive pregnant women and infants
3. Nevirapine dosage chart for ARV prophylaxis for infants of HIV-positive mothers
4. Trimethoprin/Sulfamethoxazole (cotrimoxazole) dosage chart for OI Prophylaxis for infants born to
HIV-positive mothers
5. Ziduvudine dosage chart for PMTCT use only

(Back pocket updates are amenable to review and change as new technical information arises and is approved by
the Ministry of Health and HAPCO)

iii
 Foreword

The expanded and comprehensive response to the national HIV/AIDS epidemic is coordinated by the
Federal HIV/AIDS prevention and control office (FHAPCO). Prevention of mother-to-child transmission
of HIV (PMTCT) is a crucial element of the response.

This guideline replaces the previous guideline on The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
(PMTCT) of HIV, November 2001. It updates earlier guidelines on the latest managerial, technical and
clinical developments accepted nationally and internationally.

Integrated and “Opt-Out” approaches are promoted in this document as the most appropriate strategies
for expanding national access and sustainability of PMTCT (HIV) services in the country. Consequently,
behaviour changing communication for provider-initiated HIV counselling and testing as part of routine
ANC (like a syphilis test) and usage of multiple drug prophylaxis are main issues addressed here.

Integration of PMTCT services with routine maternal and child and reproductive health services at all
levels, strengthening capacity of the existing health system through implementing the health network
model, referral system, expansion of PMTCT sites, promotion of PMTCT services, empowering
PLWHA networks, reducing stigma and discrimination through community-based mothers’ support
groups are all nationally accepted parts of the implementation strategies.

Preparation of this guideline involved extensive consultation with and participation of all relevant
partners, to whom the Ministry would like to express deepest gratitude. It is our strong belief that this
guideline will be very useful in assisting all health providers and partners involved in PMTCT programs,
including policy makers, program coordinators, health resource mobilizers and service providers.

Lastly, the Ministry of Health considers the four-pronged strategy (WHO) as the prominent guide to be
followed by all partners. Defining implementation of this approach will contribute to the attainment of
the nationally shared vision of a “HIV-free generation by the year 2020”.

Dr. Betru Tekle

Director General
Federal HIV Prevention and Control Office

iv
 Acknowledgement

The Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office acknowledges the individuals and institutions
listed below for their invaluable contributions in revising these guidelines.

Dr. Yibeltal Assefa FHAPCO

Dr. Afework Kassa MOH/HAPCO
Dr. Solomon Kumbi ESOG
Dr. Alemach T/Haimanot UNICEF
Dr. Yetnayet Asfaw IntraHealth
Dr. Sadik Mohammed IntraHealth
Dr. Mohammed Ali CDC-E
Dr. Abdulhamid Isehak CDC-E
Professor. Sileshi Lulseged CDC-E
Dr.ChandrakanttRuparelia JHPIEGO
Dr.Tigistu Adamu JHPIEGO
Dr. Eyerusalem Kebede WHO
Dr. Ayele Debebe WHO, FMOH
Ato Haile Wubineh RPM +
Sister Tiruye Damtew FHAPCO
Dr. Kidane G/Kidan UNFPA
Dr. HelinaWorku UCSD
Dr. Debela Challa EPS
Dr. Hana Nekatibeb EHNRI
Dr. MengistuTafesse CU-ICAP
Dr. Fana Tefera I-TECH
Dr. Meg Doherty JHU-TSEHAI
Dr. Elias Abebe FHAPCO
Dr. Esmael Wabela FHAPCO
Dr. Jemal Ali Tulane University
Sister Yetimwork Tekle FHAPCO
Sister Kiros Alemayehu Ethiopian Midwives Association
Pamela Scott PEPFAR Ethiopia

FHAPCO also appreciates the assistance of Regional Health Bureaus, partner organizations, national and
international universities, professional associations, regional HIV/AIDS offices, family health programs
coordinators and implementers at all levels. Deepest appreciation is also extended the PMTCT Technical
Working Group for its technical support.

The printing of the Guidelines has been funded by the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The
Federal HAPCO is grateful for the support.

v
 Acronyms and Abbreviations

AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

ANC Antenatal Care
ARV Antiretroviral
BCC Behaviour Change Communication
BCG Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
CBCP Community-based Care Provider
CBRHA Community-based Reproductive Health Agent
C/S Caesarian Section
COC Combined Oral Contraceptive
DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid
EDHS Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey
ELISA Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
EFV Efavirenz (also EFZ)
EPS Ethiopian Paediatrics Society
FBOs Faith-Based Organizations
FP Family Planning
HAPCO HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office
HAART Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
HCT HIV Counselling and Testing
HEW Health Extension Workers
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HMIS Health Management Information System
IEC Information Education and Communication
IP Infection Prevention
IMCI Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses
LAM Lactational Amenorrhea Method
LPV/R Lopinavir/Ritonavir
MCH Maternal and Child Health
MDG Millennium Development Goals
MNCH Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health
MTCT Mother-to-Child Transmission
NFV Nelfinavir
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NVP Nevirapine
OI Opportunistic Infections
OPV Oral Polio Vaccine
PCP Pneumocystis carenii Pneumonia
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
PEP Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
PHC Primary Health Care
PI Performance Improvement
PLWHA People Living with HIV/AIDS
PMTCT Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
RHB Regional Health Bureau
RH Reproductive Health
RTI Reproductive Tract Infection
RNA Ribonucleic Acid
SRH Sexual and Reproductive Health
STI Sexually Transmitted Infection
TB Tuberculosis
TBA Traditional Birth Attendant
TC Testing and Counselling
TTBA Trained Traditional Birth Attendant
TMP-SMZ Trimethoprim-Sulphamethoxazole (Cotrimoxazole)
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UTI Urinary Tract Infection
VCT Voluntary Counselling and Testing
WHO World Health Organization

vi
Introduction
The HIV pandemic created an enormous challenge to the survival of mankind worldwide. With a national adult
HIV prevalence of 2.1%, Ethiopia is one of the countries most severely hit by the epidemic. Besides the dominant
heterosexual transmission, vertical virus transmission from mother to child accounts for more than 90% of
paediatric AIDS. As PMTCT programs provide for both prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child and
enrolment of infected pregnant women and their families into antiretroviral treatment, it is undertaken by the
Government of Ethiopia in an effort to mitigate the impacts of the epidemic in the general population and amongst
children in particular.

This document replaces the National Guidelines on the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of
HIV in Ethiopia issued in November 2001. The current situation of MTCT in Ethiopia, updating the previous
guidelines on the latest technical and clinical developments, and incorporating basic guidelines on
national/international indicators, recording and reporting formats were some of the rationale for revising the 2001
version.

The guidelines were developed through a collaborative, consensus-building process involving stakeholders from a
broad cross-section of organizations and individuals working in the field of PMTCT. The guidelines are updated
based on in-country experience and internationally acclaimed standard recommendations. In general, the National
PMTCT Guidelines is intended as a hands-on tool providing guidance for individuals working on PMTCT in
different sectors (public, private or NGO) on how to provide standardized and high-quality services.

Therefore, the national PMTCT program priority strategy works in collaboration with family health departments at
all levels to promote service expansion and integration with potentially available MCH and HIV/AIDS services in
health facilities as well as in the community. Integration of PMTCT data elements into the MCH registers, training
of MCH service providers, strengthening the referral system based on the health network model, coordinating all
partners’ efforts, mobilizing resources internationally and nationally, and monitoring and evaluation of the
program is envisioned by the FHAPCO/MOH. By implementing these activities the Ministry of Health looks
forward to universal provision of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care/support services by 2010, while
simultaneously achieving three of the MDG goals. Consequently the Ministry has a shared vision to see a HIV free
generation by 2020.

. The specific objectives of the guidelines are to assist:

• Policy makers in development of PMTCT programs
• Health service planners and program managers in program implementation, supervision, monitoring and
evaluation
• Training and educational institutions in delivering training consistent with the overall national program
(i.e. the four-pronged comprehensive strategy/approach for PMTCT )
• Service providers in delivering comprehensive PMTCT services through strengthening intra and inter
facility referral system at all levels and community linkages
• Communities in increasing ownership, capacity building and utilization of services and in making linkages
to health facilities

Developing and implementing a comprehensive PMTCT program complete with strategies for primary, secondary
and tertiary prevention (antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis and treatment, and safe obstetrical and infant feeding
practices-is a complex process).The fourth strategy is also the care and support services that should be provided
through community linkages.

To ensure its full implementation the guidelines must be available in all health care facilities providing PMTCT
services and to those planning to provide them. Moreover, orientations/trainings on the guidelines have to be given
to all potential users from community to policy maker levels. The guidelines should also be introduced to
participants during all PMTCT-related trainings.

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I. Overview of MTCT of HIV
1.1 Background
According to calibrated single point estimates (2007), the national adult HIV prevalence is reported to be 2.1%
(7.7% in urban and 0.9% in rural areas). 977,394 Ethiopians are living with HIV/AIDS (41% males, 59%
females); an estimated 75,420 HIV-positive pregnant women are anticipated in 2007. Highest prevalence occurs in
the 15-24 age group and prevalence is higher among females than males in both urban and rural areas. Prevalence
appears to have levelled off in urban areas but continues to rise in rural areas, where 85% of the population lives.
1.2 Guiding Principles of the PMTCT Program
Clinical providers, managers and decision-makers at all levels and trainers should incorporate the following
principles into their professional approach.
- Equity: Access to services must be equitable without any discrimination.
- Human rights: Providers and services must uphold the right of all persons to the highest attainable standard
of health, which includes ART, PMTCT, and access to family planning information and services. Program
managers and service providers should respect the right of persons with HIV to decide on the number and
timing of their children.
- Integration: PMTCT must be integrated with all appropriate services.
- Family Focused: use PMTCT as an entry point to HIV care for family
- Prioritize pregnant women with advanced disease to HAART
- Standardization: The essential PMTCT package of services sets the standard for all sectors.
- Referral linkages: The health network model links facilities and the community to reduce gaps in coverage
(health centres to hospitals and community to health care facilities).
- Confidentiality and voluntary informed consent: HIV counselling and testing services must provide
adequate information and be done voluntarily following informed consent.
- Community participation and mobilization: Community involvement is essential in offering prevention,
treatment, care and support.
- Male involvement: Male partners and fathers should be encouraged to participate in PMTCT programs and
services
- The three ones: The PMTCT program is part of one action framework, measured by one monitoring and
evaluation framework and coordinated by one body.

1.2.1. Objectives of the PMTCT services in Ethiopia

1. Promote primary prevention of HIV amongst women and men of reproductive age
2. Reduce and ultimately eradicate new paediatric HIV infections
3. Promote access to HIV and antiretroviral treatment for HIV- infected pregnant women and their families
4. Reduce HIV related morbidity and mortality of HIV infected mothers through care, thereby preserving the
family unit and reducing the incidence of orphans
5. Promote access of HIV exposed infants to care:
a. Initiate CTX preventive therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality from PCP and other bacterial
infections
b. Identify infants and children with rapid disease progression and initiate antiretroviral treatment
early
c. Facilitate access to early infant HIV diagnostic services
6. Address family planning

1.3 National Strategy to Address MTCT of HIV/AIDS

The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is committed to reducing the spread of
HIV/AIDS and address the consequences of the epidemic in the population. The national HIV/AIDS policy was
enacted in 1998; and in 2001, the National HIV/AIDS Council declared HIV a national emergency. The National

2
HIV/AIDS strategic framework calls for a multi-sectoral response, guaranteeing rights of all people living with
HIV/AIDS, and facilitating the supply and use of antiretroviral drugs.
Ethiopia has adopted the WHO/UNICEF/UNAIDS 4-pronged PMTCT strategy as a key entry point to HIV care
for women, men and families. Technical interventions, including antiretroviral medications, essential obstetric
care, health system management and resource allocation, and gender bias are part of the national comprehensive
PMTCT program. Addressing all four prongs has potential to interrupt the cycle that leads to MTCT at several
points. The four prongs and the national strategies for each prong are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: National Strategies for PMTCT

Prong National Strategy
1. Primary prevention of - Communication for behaviour change (ABC
HIV infection approach) to protect reproductive men and women
from becoming infected with HIV and other
STIsProvide voluntary counselling and testing
services following the National HIV Counselling
and Testing Guidelines
- Promote correct and consistent use of condoms
- Encourage open discussion on reproductive health
issues between parents and their children
- Early diagnosis and treatment of STIs

2. Prevention of - Provide family planning counselling integrated

unintended into all potential PMTCT and VCT service sites
pregnancies among
HIV infected women

3. Prevention of HIV - Ensure availability of antiretroviral drugs and

transmission from other appropriate supplies for PMTCT
infected women to - Provide testing and counselling services
their infants integrated with ANC, labour & delivery and
postnatal care
- Safer obstetrical practices
- Provide appropriate counselling on infant feeding
and support exclusive breastfeeding
4. Treatment, care and - Provide ART for women with advanced disease
support of HIV - Provide pregnant women not eligible for ART
infected women, their with effective PMTCT regimens
infants and their - Ensure appropriate follow-up of infants born to
families HIV positive women including: OI prophylaxis
and early infant diagnosis
- Provide HIV testing for family
- Link PMTCT with care and support initiatives
organized for infants and HIV infected women

3
II. PMTCT Interventions from the Community Through all Levels of the
Health System

PMTCT services should be implemented at all facilities with capacity to offer them, and integrated with
other services. Where capacity to deliver services is not yet in place, services should be strengthened and
strong referral systems established to link clients with available services. Table 2 presents the services
which should be available at community and health system levels.

Table 2: PMTCT Interventions: Community and Health System

Location Activities
Community

Individuals living in the - BCC on safer and responsible sexual practice

community but without - Promotion of HIV counselling and testing
formal health training but
- Male involvement (antenatal, postnatal care, child
who have general
health, PMTCT)
orientation on HIV
- Malaria prevention
- Community support and use of integrated PMTCT
services: early antenatal care, follow-up, birth
preparedness plan, early referral to health facilities
when needed
- Development of comprehensive support groups for
HIV-positive women and men
- Promotion and support of exclusive breastfeeding
- Referral to appropriate health and social services
- General information and education on family
planning

Health Facilities (by level)

Primary Healthcare Unit (Health Post and Health Centre)

Health Post Participate in all community activities listed above

PLUS:
- Promote condom use and distribute them to women
and men
- FP counselling and provision of available methods to
all women and men requesting them or referring for
methods unavailable at this level
- Focused antenatal care and clean and safe delivery
- Use standard precautions for infection prevention
- Initiate referrals as indicated for HIV-positive women
and their newborns for evaluation at HIV care/ARV
centre
- HIV counselling and testing if available at health post
- Clinical care and psychosocial support for HIV+
women and men
- ARV prophylaxis to mothers and infants, when

4
Table 2: PMTCT Interventions: Community and Health System
Location Activities
available and there are trained staff to do so.
- Provide insecticide treated bed nets to pregnant
women and their families in malaria endemic areas
- Provide counselling on infant feeding according to
the National Nutrition Guidelines
- Record and report on PMTCT indicators

Health Centre All of the services listed above PLUS:

- ART for eligible HIV-positive pregnant women and
their families and prophylactic ARV for non eligible
pregnant women
- Syndromic management of STIs
- Diagnosis and treatment of UTI, anaemia, TB,
malaria, intestinal parasites
- Prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections
- Follow-up of all infants born to HIV-positive mothers
- Skilled birth attendant at each delivery
- Immunization of children
- In-depth counselling on family planning to HIV-
positive people, with emphasis on long-term and
permanent methods and dual protection
- Support activities at lower level facilities

District Hospital All of the services listed above PLUS:

- Comprehensive emergency obstetric care
- Immediate neonatal care and resuscitation
- Safe blood transfusion
- Early infant diagnosis using DBS for DNA PCR

Regional Hospital All of the services listed above PLUS:

- Ultrasound
- Pap smear and referral for cervical cancer treatment

Referral Hospital All of the services listed above PLUS:

- Diagnosis and treatment of all referral cases

5
III. Primary Prevention of HIV Infection
Preventing spread of HIV to parents and potential parents (e.g. adolescents, and unmarried persons) is the most
effective way to ensure that HIV will not be transmitted to children. Strategies are listed below:
• Address factors that make girls and women especially vulnerable to HIV infection and that limit male
involvement in PMTCT
• Promote safer and responsible sexual behaviour and practices
Safer sexual behaviours include: delaying sexual debut; practicing abstinence; having sex with a HIV-negative
partner, or correct consistent condom use with an HIV-positive partner or partner of unknown status; reducing
the number of sexual partners; always using condoms.
Ways to promote safer sex practices include:
- Use community education and conversation and mobilize established groups (family, church, community)
- Design community messages appropriate for individuals at higher risk
- Assist individuals to make personal risk reduction plans through HIV counselling and testing
- Supply condoms to men, women and adolescents in the community and as an integrated component of
health care wherever possible (family planning, antenatal care, HIV counselling and testing, HIV
care/ART MCH, STIs)
- Promote and provide female condoms
- Promote dual protection routinely during family planning counselling
- Promote male involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention at all levels using locally acceptable and culturally
sensitive approaches
• Provide early diagnosis and treatment of STIs
Early diagnosis and treatment of STIs can reduce the HIV incidence in the general population by up to 40%.
Information on transmission of HIV and HIV counselling and testing services should be available whenever
and wherever STI care is available. Partner screening and treatment should be available as a routine element of
STI care.
• Provide HIV counselling and testing to all adults and adolescents
Knowledge of HIV status is essential in order to consider all available treatment options, and to make
informed decisions related to partner infection, childbearing and pregnancy. Testing for pregnant women,
youth and children at risk is a national priority. Provider-initiated approaches are being promoted to increase
the availability of testing, reduce stigma and reach people in need of testing and treatment.

6
IV. Prevention of Unintended Pregnancies in HIV-Positive Women

Prevention of unintended pregnancy in the general population is critical to prevention of transmission of HIV
to children because many women and men do not know their HIV status. Increasing family planning to
prevent unintended pregnancy among HIV-positive women is a major method of preventing of HIV infection
in children and is cost effective.

Family Planning Counselling and Methods

In providing family planning counselling, providers should:
• Respect the right of all women, regardless of HIV status, to decide the number and timing of
children
• Encourage dual protection (using two forms of contraception; one should be a condom). Provide
condoms wherever possible and refer clients to a convenient affordable source
• Provide full information about the possibility of transmitting HIV to a child
• Offer information about prevention and referral for HIV counselling and testing
• Counsel men and women who know they are positive, assisting them to make well-informed
decisions
• Provide information on various family planning methods

Table 3 contains brief information on use of each contraceptive method among HIV-positive women and
HIV-positive women on HAART.

Table 3: Family Planning Methods for HIV-positive women and Men

Use in Use in
Method HIV-positive HIV-positive women Remarks
women on HAART
Male condom Highly Highly recommended Requires partner cooperation
recommended. and correct technique;
Spermicide use effectiveness depends on
(Nonoxynol-9) consistent correct use.
is not Protects against transmission
recommended of STI and HIV. Latex
for clients at condoms are more effective.
high risk of HIV
or who are HIV-
positive.
Female condom Highly Highly recommended Limited availability and lack
recommended. of knowledge on consistent
Spermicide use and correct use may limit
(Nonoxynol-9) usefulness. Protects against
is not transmission of STI and HIV.
recommended
for clients at
high risk of HIV
or who are HIV-
positive
Copper (Cu) May use; May use; follow-up NOT recommended for use in
IUD follow-up recommended. women with PID in the last
recommended May be associated with increased six months or other active
risk of bleeding and possible STI. Offers no STI/HIV
exacerbation of anaemia on protection. Therefore provide
ARVs. Slight risk of uterine with condoms.
infection with insertion. Women
with IUDs who develop advanced
HIV disease should be monitored
closely for PID.
Progesterone No restrictions May use with follow-up. Drug Unclear interaction of

7
 only injectable for use interactions with some ARVs steroids and immune
(DMPA) implant likely. function. Offers no STI/HIV
(NET-EN)
protection, therefore provide
condoms
Combined Oral No restrictions May use with follow-up. Drug See recommendations in back
Contraceptives for use interactions with some ARVs pocket update for COC’s
(COCs) likely. Dual protection available in Ethiopia and
recommended. ARV interactions. Offers no
STI/HIV protection. therefore
provide condoms
Surgical No restrictions No restrictions for use. Women No STI or HIV protection for
sterilization for use with advanced disease may be at client or partner. Offers no
slightly higher risk of surgical STI/HIV protection therefore
complications. Consider delaying provide condoms
surgery pending initiation of
ARVs.
Lactational No restrictions No restrictions for use Important to review ongoing
Amenorrhea for use risk of MTCT for HIV+
Method women during breastfeeding.
Offers no STI/HIV protection
therefore provide condoms.
Emergency No restrictions No restrictions EC should be given to women
contraception who request it. Women who
(Postinor-2, or have been raped should be
use COC pills) offered EC.
Dual protection Recommended Recommended Dual protection should be
recommended to all women
and men, regardless of HIV
status
Source: WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria, for Starting Contraceptive Methods, 2004

Considerations for HIV-positive women on ART and Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs):
• Dual protection should be recommended for men and women on ART. Limited data from small,
mostly unpublished studies suggest that some ARVs influence serum levels of COCs. To ensure
effective and appropriate contraception is available, specifically for women on ART with nevirapine
(NVP), lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), nelfinavir (NLF) and ritonavir (RTV), dual protection is
recommended. HIV-positive women on ART with any of the above ARVs who are also using COCs
need to be monitored closely. (Details of drug interaction between ARVs and COC is included in the
back pocket)
• Considerations for HIV-positive women on Rifampicin and COC.
Rifampicin, often used to treat tuberculosis in HIV-positive clients, also decreases effectiveness of
COCs by reducing circulating oestrogen. Any woman on Rifampicin and COCs should use dual
protection.

8
V. Prevention of HIV Transmission from HIV-Positive Women to their
Infants

Interventions aimed to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission go hand-in-hand with strengthening

maternal and child health services, and other reproductive/sexual health programs. Many strategies for
preventing MTCT benefit all women who are, or may become, pregnant. PMTCT services should be available
to all pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Quality antenatal, delivery and post partum care should be
provided to all women, irrespective of HIV status.

5.1 HIV and Pregnancy

Pregnancy itself does not affect the outcome of HIV infection, but HIV may affect pregnancy outcome in
numerous ways: HIV-positive pregnant women are at increased risk of premature deliveries, small for date
babies and still birth.

5.1.1 Risk of MTCT during pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and breastfeeding
Table 4 below describes the rate of Mother-to-child Transmission in the absence of intervention.

Table 4: Estimated Risk of MTCT

Timing Transmission rate without
intervention
During pregnancy 5-10%
During labour and delivery 10-15%
During breastfeeding 5-20%
Overall without breastfeeding 15-25%
Overall with breastfeeding to six months 20-35%
Overall with breastfeeding to 18-24 months 30-45%
Note: Rates vary because of differences in population characteristics such as maternal CD4+
cell counts, RNA viral load and duration of breastfeeding.
“HIV transmission through breastfeeding: A review of available evidence.” Marie Louise
Newell; endorsed by UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS. 2004 (adapted from De Cock KM et
al., 2000.).

5.1.2. Risk Factors for MTCT

Several factors put a woman at a higher risk of transmitting HIV to her child.
Maternal Factors
• High maternal viral load
• Low CD4 count
• Advanced maternal disease
• Viral or parasitic placental infections during pregnancy, labour and childbirth
• Maternal malnutrition ( including iron and folate, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies)
• Nipple fissures, cracks, mastitis and breast abscess

9
Infant factors
• First infant in multiple birth
• Preterm low birth weight
• Duration of breastfeeding
• Mixed feeding
• Oral diseases in child
Obstetric and Delivery Practices
• Rupture of membrane for more than four hours
• Injuries to birth canal during child birth (vaginal and cervical tears)
• Ante partum procedures e.g. amniocentesis, external cephalic version
• Invasive childbirth procedures (e.g. episiotomy, fetal scalp monitoring)
• Vaginal delivery
• Delayed infant cleaning and eye care
• Routine infant airway suctioning

5.2 HIV-Positive Women Who Intend to Become Pregnant

General health measures for people living with HIV, which should be available to all HIV-positive
women, are detailed in Table 5.

Table 5: Care for HIV+ Women Considering Pregnancy

1. Give Accurate Information on Risk of MTCT and Ensure Informed Decision to Conceive
• Risk of mother-to-child transmission
• Availability of prevention options
• Effect of HIV on pregnancy outcome
• Involvement and screening of partner
• Follow-up schedule
2. Maintain the Best Possible Health and Nutritional Status
• Adequate high calorie intake to support nutritional needs, and additional iron, folate and zinc at least three
months prior to pregnancy; encourage consumption of foods rich in iron (e.g. green leafy vegetables, meat
and liver).
• Prevention of malaria: encourage use of insecticide treated nets (ITN) for all women and early treatment
for symptoms of malaria for women living in malaria endemic areas
• Prevention, screening and treatment of STIs before pregnancy
• Prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections
• Avoid pregnancy until six months after recovery from any chronic infections, such as TB or other
opportunistic infections
3. Provide ART for eligible HIV infected women, if not already on treatment and ARVs for PMTCT for
those who are not eligible for ART: (See back pocket for current recommendations)

10
5.3 Antenatal Care

5.3.1 For All Pregnant Women

Focused antenatal care must be available to all pregnant women regardless of HIV status. Specific additional
interventions for HIV-positive pregnant women are discussed in the next section. All women need information
on HIV prevention through safer sex practices, diagnosis and treatment of STIs, and infant feeding
counselling and support.
Antenatal care services for all pregnant women should include:
• At least four focused antenatal care visits (1st as early in pregnancy as possible, 2nd at 28-32 weeks, 3rd
after 36 weeks, 4th before expected date of delivery or when woman needs to consult)
• The antenatal visit should include:
- Client history
- Thorough general physical examination
- Abdominal examination
- Pelvic examination
- Routine offer of HIV counselling and testing
- Routine laboratory diagnostic tests
- Tetanus toxoid vaccination
- Nutritional assessment and counselling
- STI screening and treatment
- Malaria prevention and treatment
- Anaemia prophylaxis and treatment
- Infant feeding counselling with emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
- Counselling on danger signs of obstetric complications, on birth preparedness and complication
readiness, contraceptives and safer sex practices
- Family planning counselling especially for bilateral tubal ligation during caesarean section

5.3.2 HIV Counselling and Testing during Antenatal Care

Compared with other approaches, routine provider-initiated HIV counselling and testing using the opt-out
approach for all pregnant women has resulted in greater acceptability, increased opportunity to prevent
MTCT, and minimized stigma. Irrespective of the approach used, all information about HIV testing must be
kept confidential and testing should be voluntary.
The pregnant woman should be given the results of a rapid HIV test within one hour whenever possible.
Knowledge of HIV status is a very important step in providing appropriate recommendations and treatment
for HIV-positive women and their partners when/if indicated.
Provider-initiated routine counselling and testing using the opt-out approach is recommended for all clients
seen within the context of maternal care (i.e. antenatal, labour, immediate postpartum). This means that HIV
testing is offered as a routine component of standard maternal health care. The client is given pre-test
information in a group or individually on HIV/AIDS and PMTCT and is told that her routine antenatal
laboratory tests will include an HIV test. The provider also must inform the client that she has the right to say
“no” (to opt out), and this decision by no means affects the services she will get from the health facility

11
In summary: All women coming for ANC, labour and delivery and post partum follow-up, if not
tested duringcurrent pregnancy shall be routinely informed about the benefits of HIV testing for
mother and baby in a group or on individual basis and shall be told that their routine laboratory
check up includes HIV testing unless they say “NO”. The right to say “no” shall be clearly
communicated.
The pre-test information can be provided as part of a group session or incorporated into general health talks
especially when the client load is high. If clients have additional questions or concerns, individual counselling
can be used after group session or when client load is low. Also, pre-test session for couples can be arranged if
couples are available. The pre-test session lasts 5-15 minute. For the key messages during the pre-test session
refer the diagram on the next page.
For the implementation of opt-out approach the Ministry of Health has adapted the generic opt out tools and
job aids developed by CDC/WHO. Providers are encouraged to use the tool in order to facilitate effective
group counselling, and the PIHCT tool for individual counselling.
Rapid HIV testing must be used so results can be provided on the same day.

12
Figure 1. HIV Testing and Counselling Large Group/Small Group/Individual/Couple Pre-Test
(HTC) Antenatal Care Settings Session
Discuss:
ƒ Benefits of testing
ƒ Testing process
ƒ Discordance and partner HIV testing
ƒ Risk reduction
ƒ PMTCT, support services, and antenatal care

Provider routinely offers HIV test

HIV test performed*

HIV Test Declined:

Offer individual counselling HIV-negative Post-test Counselling: HIV-positive Post-test Counselling:
Address barriers to testing Provide HIV test result Provide HIV test result and support
Discuss: Discuss: Discuss:
ƒ Risk reduction ƒ Partner HIV testing and ƒ CD4 count and screening for OIs and
ƒ Exclusive breastfeeding disclosure ƒ ARV prophylaxis/treatment using CD4 or clinical
ƒ Antenatal and postnatal care and ƒ Risk reduction criteria
safe delivery ƒ Antenatal and postnatal care and ƒ Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and safe
ƒ Infant care safe delivery breastfeeding practices
Re-offer HIV test or develop plan to return ƒ Exclusive breastfeeding ƒ Partner HIV testing and disclosure
for HIV test ƒ Infant follow and care ƒ Risk reduction
Provide referral/take home information Provide referral/take home information ƒ Antenatal and postnatal care and safe delivery
ƒ Treatment and support services for client and
family
Subsequent Healthcare Visits: ƒ Infant follow up and importance of early infant
Subsequent Healthcare Visits: Review post-test counselling and diagnosis
Review messages and referrals referrals
Re-offer HIV test Subsequent Healthcare Visits:
Review post-test counselling and referrals
*Follow national rapid testing algorithm/guidelines. Rapid testing with same day results is highly recommended

13
5.3.3 Additional Antenatal Care Needs for HIV-positive Women
HIV-positive women need focused antenatal care as described in the previous section, but need extra care, including
prevention and early treatment of opportunistic infections. This can reduce risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the
likelihood of mother-to-child HIV transmission. All HIV-positive pregnant women should have CD4 determination
either by sending blood samples or referring the client directly to a centre where CD4 testing is available. If CD4
testing is unavailable, HIV-positive pregnant women should be clinically assessed and staged for antiretroviral
treatment eligibility, and baseline total lymphocyte counts should be carried out. At each antenatal clinic appointment,
HIV-positive mothers should be routinely reassessed for OI prophylaxis and ART eligibility by clinical and/or
immunological criteria as indicated by their condition. HIV infected women and their families should be enrolled in
HIV care and treatment services

Additional history and clinical examination for HIV-positive pregnant women:

- Past history of HIV-related illness and HAART
- Duration of known HIV-positive status
- Assessment for symptoms of AIDS and HIV as per WHO Clinical Staging System for HIV status of other
children and partner
- HIV and health status of other children and partner
- Partner disclosure and referral
- Any medications for HIV-related illness taken since beginning of pregnancy (e.g. TB or malaria medications,
antiretroviral drugs, antibiotics for opportunistic infections)
Additional laboratory assessment of HIV-positive pregnant women:
- Screening CD4 count/percentage is routinely recommended, where the service is available. All HIV-positive
pregnant women should have baseline total lymphocyte count at minimum. Additional laboratory
investigations are recommended as relevant and indicated to diagnose opportunistic infections.
Antiretroviral therapy:
- All HIV-positive women should be routinely assessed for ART eligibility and initiated on HAART if eligible,
at point of care or at HIV care/ART clinic. ART eligibility criteria for pregnant women are illustrated in the
pocket guide. Sick mothers with advanced disease (i.e. CD4 <200) should be prioritized for antiretroviral
treatment.

Prophylaxis and treatment for opportunistic infections:

- Provide routine TMP-SMT prophylaxis for all HIV-infected pregnant women with clinical stage 2, 3, 4
disease or CD4 count below 350 c/mm3
- Provide other OI prophylaxis and treatment for opportunistic infections as per the national guidelines
Tuberculosis (TB):
- Screen all pregnant HIV-positive pregnant women for TB
- Screen all clients with cough of more than two weeks for TB according to national guidelines.
Malaria:
- All pregnant women should be advised to use insecticide treated bed nets to prevent malaria. All HIV-positive
pregnant women in malaria endemic areas should receive malaria prophylaxis and treatment as per the
national guidelines for malaria.
Short course ARV prophylaxis to reduce MTCT during pregnancy:
- Administer prophylaxis with short course ARVs to reduce the risk of MTCT for HIV-positive women who do
not meet medical criteria for HAART. The back pocket update includes specific dosages and regimens for
ARV use for PMTCT. These recommendations should be updated frequently and used in accordance with
national guidelines for use of ARVs in adults and adolescents in Ethiopia and current WHO PMTCT
recommendations.

14
Infant Care:
- Counsel pregnant women about infant feeding with emphasis on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
months of life, with introduction of appropriate complementary feedings at six months with continued
breastfeeding until 12–18 months. Educate mothers on the importance of infant follow-up, cotrimoxazole
preventive therapy and early infant diagnosis.

Counselling on signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS disease progression:

- Provide information and instructions on seeking care for symptoms of HIV disease progression. Women
should be referred to ART sites for appropriate management of complications, consultation or ongoing care
when indicated.
Partners and family:
- Help women through the process of disclosure, involving partner and/or couple counselling, and on effective
involvement of the family in care and support.
Support:
- Counsel and refer to community care and support organizations and ensure feedback.
Prevention:
- Counsel: primary prevention, condoms, infant feeding, postpartum contraception including counselling for
family planning and provision of contraceptive methods as a part of postnatal care.

5.4 Intra partum care: Labour and Delivery

As up to a third of infant HIV infections occur through transmission from the mother during labour and delivery, this
period for prevention of MTCT is critical. Many strategies which prevent MTCT, including standard infection
prevention precautions and limiting/avoiding unnecessary obstetric interventions, are protective for all women and
their infants.
Intra partum care and infection prevention include:
• Essential obstetric care for all mothers
- A skilled attendant at every birth (at home or at healthcare facility).
(Note: WHO defines a skilled attendant as “a health provider who has at least the minimum
knowledge and skills to manage normal childbirth and provide basic emergency obstetric care”).
- Early identification of danger signs and prompt referral to a facility where comprehensive obstetric care is
available.
• Safe delivery practices and avoiding invasive procedures when possible (no artificial rupture of membrane
to shorten labour, no routine episiotomy, avoid use of vacuum extraction and forceps if possible, limit vaginal
examinations during labour, treatment of acute chorioamnionitis, early infant eye and cord care).
• Safe delivery practices designed to protect health workers, mothers, family members, and babies. (Use
of standard precautions at every delivery, covering umbilical cord with gauze before cutting, safe handling and
disposal of placenta and soiled materials, proper processing of used instruments).

5.4.1 Testing and Counselling during Labour

As up to two thirds of pregnant women attend health facilities for the first time when in labour, HIV counselling and
testing should be offered routinely for all mothers admitted for delivery. Active identification of women in labour with
unknown HIV status and offering of HIV counselling and testing shall be part of standard of care. HIV-positive
women identified through this means shall receive prophylactic antiretroviral treatment and be linked to care for
themselves and their infants.

15
The right of women to decline HIV testing must always be respected. The approach and timing of pre and post test
sessions will be guided by the stage of labour in which a woman presents. If in advanced labour, HIV TC can be
offered immediately after delivery before discharge so the baby can still receive ARV prophylaxis and both mother
and baby can receive or be referred for other HIV prevention interventions, treatment, care and support services.
The pre-test session in labour should be very short (2-5 minutes) and should provide sufficient information to enable
the woman to make an informed decision on whether to opt out of the test.
If all components cannot be completed because a woman is in active labour, complete at an appropriate time as soon as
possible after delivery.
The messages and action steps for routine offer of HIV counselling and testing to all women in labour should be
conducted according to the following protocol:

16
Figure 2. Testing and Counselling (TC) for Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) in Labour and Delivery
Pre-Test Session
Determine HIV test history
Discuss benefits of test and prophylaxis
Explain test process

Offer HIV test

Labour
Rapid test performed

HIV test declined

HIV-negative Post-test Counselling: HIV-positive Post-test Counselling:
Provide HIV test result Provide HIV test result, support, and prophylaxis if eligible†
Discuss: Discuss:
ƒ Partner HIV testing ƒ About exclusive breastfeeding and safe BF*
ƒ Partner HIV testing

Use safer obstetrical practices, deliver infant, and provide postnatal care

HIV Test Follow-Up: Continued Post-test Counselling: Infant prophylaxis administered immediately after
Address barriers to testing and Discuss: birth (within 6 hours but up to 72 hours)
re-offer test ƒ Partner HIV testing and
Discuss: disclosure
ƒ Risk reduction ƒ Risk reduction

Post-Delivery
ƒ Exclusive breastfeeding ƒ Exclusive breastfeeding Continued Post-test Counselling:
ƒ Postnatal and infant care ƒ Postnatal and infant care Confirm test result and provide support
Provide referral/take home Provide referral/take home information Discuss:
information ƒ Exclusive breastfeeding and safe BF practices
ƒ Clinical care for client
Subsequent Healthcare Visits: ƒ Partner HIV testing and disclosure
Review messages and referrals Subsequent Healthcare Visits: ƒ Risk reduction
Re-offer HIV test Review post-test counselling and ƒ Treatment and support services for client and family
referrals ƒ Postnatal care for mother and enrollment in to HIV
services
ƒ Follow up of infant and early infant diagnosis
Provide referral/take home information
Subsequent Healthcare Visits:
√ Review post-test counselling and referrals
17
5.4.2 Additional Intra Partum Interventions for HIV Positive
Women
• Decisions about these interventions must be based on resources of the health facility, skilled provider availability, and
the pregnant woman’s preference. Where resources exist, balancing risks and benefits carefully, consider elective
Caesarean Section (C/S) delivery for HIV-positive women who desire this; vaginal delivery increases the risk of
MTCT and C/S delivery before the onset of labour decreases it. In resource-limited settings, the morbidity associated
with C/S due to anaesthesia, surgical complications, and post-procedure infection needs to be balanced against that of
MTCT.
• Use a single dose prophylactic antibiotic prior to elective or emergency C/S to reduce risk of obstetric infections
• Administer ARV prophylaxis for the prevention of MTCT, in accordance with current recommendations i.e.
Combination ARVs in facilities where ART is available and single dose nevirapine at the onset of labour if
antiretroviral treatment is unavailable. (see back pocket update for the detail)
5.5 Postpartum care
The postpartum period is a critical transitional time for women, their newborns and families. Ideally, postpartum care
should be provided by the health worker or skilled attendant present at delivery and the mother and newborn should be
cared for together. Important components of care after delivery for the new mother are outlined below. Postpartum care
at six hours, six days and six weeks for all newborns is outlined in Table 6.
If the mother was not counselled and tested for HIV during pregnancy or labour and delivery, provide counselling and
testing services within 72 hours of birth to preserve the possibility of giving the infant prophylaxis in case of a positive
test result. (For further description on use of ARVs for prophylaxis refer to the back pocket)

18
5.5.1 For All Women and their infants

Postpartum care at six hours, six days and six weeks for all women and newborns is outlined below.

Table 6: Postpartum Care of All Women and their Infants

Within 6 Hours

Mother Infant
• Assess maternal well-being • Thermal protection to baby, providing warm
• Measure blood pressure and body temperature environment and keeping mother and baby
• Assess for vaginal bleeding, uterine contraction and fundal together
height. • Frequent exclusive breast feeding
• Identify any signs of serious maternal complications • Keep baby clean and clean cord care
(haemorrhage, eclampsia, and infection)and initiate treatment • Weigh the baby
• Suture episiotomy or perineum as appropriate. • Examine newborn’s health as per standards
• Counsel on disposal of potentially infectious soiled pads or other • Frequent observation of baby by the mother for
materials. danger signs
• Advise on where to call for help in case of emergency (for home- • Immunize with BCG, and OPV
based delivery) • Schedule return visit
• Immunize with Tetanus Toxoid if not done during pregnancy
• Support initiation of breastfeeding.
• Continue micronutrient supplementation (iron, folate, iodized salt,
and Vit. A 200000 IU single dose before discharge from facility)
• Offer HIV testing if not done already
• Schedule return visit

Within 6 Days

Mother Infant
• General well-being, micturition, and other possible complaints
• Address concerns about breastfeeding and
• Fundal height, distended bladder growth of baby as mother perceives these
• Perineum, vaginal bleeding, lochia, haemorrhoids
• Thrombophlebitis, signs of thrombosis • Assess general condition of baby: active,
• Temperature, if infection is suspected feeding well, frequently?
• Supplementation of micronutrients (iron, folate, iodized salt, Vit. A) • Observe how baby is breast feeding
• Counsel on safe disposal of potentially infectious soiled pads or • Observe skin for signs of jaundice
other materials • Assess vital signs if baby is not active
• Advice/counselling on maternal and newborn nutritional, physical, • Immunization with BCG, and OPV if not done
psychological and cultural needs already
• Advice/counselling on nutrition and breastfeeding
• Information regarding warning signs, where to seek help
• Counselling on sexual issues related to postpartum period, including
family planning and provision of contraceptive methods
• Immunization of newborn and women as applicable
• Offering HIV testing if not done already
• Encourage continued use of ITNs for women in malaria endemic
areas

Within 6 weeks
• Routine postpartum physical examination • Identify warning signs of complications
19
• Assessment for signs of postpartum complications • Routine examination of the baby
• Counselling on appropriate nutrition, and micronutrient • Immunization: BCG if not already done, first
supplementation dose of OPV, DPT
• Counselling on family planning and safe sex practices
• Counselling on breastfeeding and support as needed
• Counselling on personal hygiene and disposal of soiled pads.
Micronutrient supplementation as appropriate
• Encourage continuous use of ITN for women in malaria endemic
areas
• Routine offer of HIV testing if not already done
• Plan next visit and immunization of baby

20
.5.2 Additional postpartum care for known HIV-positive women
In addition to postpartum care that all new mothers need, HIV-positive women should receive:
• If mother is on antiretroviral treatment ensure she continues to take this postpartum and check adherence. If she is
on short course antiretroviral drugs for PMTCT verify completion of antiretroviral prophylaxis
• If mother was identified HIV-positive during labour and delivery refer for CD4 evaluation, HIV care and
treatment
• Schedule return visit in 6 weeks
• Extra nutrition and micronutrient support – continue iron and folate supplement for at least 6 weeks postpartum
and longer if indicated, particularly if a woman has underlying anaemia due to HIV disease or ARVs. An
additional two varied meals per day are recommended to meet energy needs and avoid malnutrition while
breastfeeding
• Close monitoring for secondary postpartum haemorrhage, which may be more dangerous if a woman has anaemia
• Early recognition and treatment of infections, including urinary tract infection, reproductive tract or obstetric
infections (endometritis, wound infection from C/S or episiotomy/laceration repair), mastitis and breast abscess
and respiratory infection
• Counselling regarding early initiation of family planning within three to four weeks of delivery; particularly if a
woman chooses not to breastfeed, causing early return to normal fertility
• Reinforcement of safe sexual behaviour and need for dual protection
• Counselling about safe disposal of potentially infectious soiled pads or other garments
• A plan for an ongoing link with appropriate HIV/AIDS medical services should be initiated. The family should
also be given information about social services and support in the community to assure long term support

5.6 Care of Infants Born to HIV-Positive Mothers

There are no specific signs or features diagnostic of HIV at birth, but clinical signs of HIV may start to appear around 4-6
weeks of life.
Principles of the care of infants born to HIV-positive mothers:
• Respect confidentiality of the mother and family
ƒ Care for the newborn as for any other newborn, but pay particular attention to infection prevention procedures
ƒ Give the newborn all routine recommended immunizations
ƒ Administer ARV prophylaxis for the newborn; check adherence to infant prophylaxis during follow-up
ƒ Promote and support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Inform mother that formula feeding is not the
best choice as it is associated with increased risk of illness and death. If mother chooses replacement feeding, advise
her on appropriate replacement feeding, and about the dangers associated with mixed feeding and early weaning.
ƒ Counsel the mother on early infant diagnosis and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Encourage early intervention for any
infections or illnesses; explain when and where to take the child for HIV testing
ƒ Ensure follow-up and comprehensive care and treatment of HIV exposed infants including cotrimoxazole prophylaxis

Table 7: Care of Infants Born to HIV-positive Mothers

Newborn and Postnatal Care
A. Routine measures
- Handle infants with gloves until maternal blood and secretions are washed off
- Clean all injection sites with antiseptic and dispose of needles and syringes into
puncture-resistant sharp containers (See: National Infection Prevention
Guidelines.)

21
 - Clamp cord immediately after birth, and avoid milking the cord. Cover cord with
gloved hand or gauze before cutting to avoid splashing of blood to the eyes
- Wipe infant’s mouth and nostrils with gauze when the head is delivered
- Use airway suction only when meconium-stained liquid is present and it is
clinically indicated. Use mechanical suction <100mm Hg or bulb suction; never
use mouth-operated suction
- Keep baby clothed or covered as much as possible to maintain warmth
- Administer eye care with antibiotic (Tetracycline 1% eye ointment) as soon as
possible after birth
- Administer BCG and OPV vaccines. (See national EPI recommendations.)
B. ARV Prophylaxis to all infants born to HIV-positive mothers to prevent
MTCT
(Refer to back pocket inserts for options.)
Follow-up care and treatment
- During the postnatal period, mother and newborn should be seen together. Early
neonatal care should be closely linked with ongoing services for health care,
including Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses wherever it is
implemented.
- All children born to HIV-positive women should be followed up regularly. This
provides a continuum of care for women who received PMTCT services before
and/or during delivery and allows regular reassessment of infants in order to
diagnose HIV infection early (Follow instructions in the IMCI chart booklet)

Follow-Up Of Infants Born To HIV-Positive Mothers

• Follow-up: at 6 hours, 6 days, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, then monthly until 6
months, and thereafter every 3 months until 18 months if infant is asymptomatic
• Monitor growth and development at each visit; refer to national paediatric
guidelines
• Reassess fully and reclassify for HIV on each follow-up visit
• Counsel about infant feeding practices and support mother’s choice
• Provide cotrimoxazole prophylaxis starting at 4-6 weeks old (see below for doses)
• Wherever possible do DNA PCR testing at 6 weeks or as early as possible
thereafter if not possible at 6 weeks (refer national infant HIV diagnosis
algorithm)
• Refer the child for HIV/ART care clinic if child:
- has a positive virological test
- is suspected of having symptomatic HIV or displays any severe classifications
possibly due to HIV or has positive antibody test under 18 months
and 2 or more of the following: oral thrush, severe pneumonia or severe
Sepsis
COTRIMOXAZOLE PROPHYLAXIS
Using cotrimoxazole for ALL HIV EXPOSED INFANTS significantly reduces the rate of
PCP and other bacterial infections which in turn reduces infant mortality rates.
Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis is indicated:
o For all infants born to HI-positive mothers (HIV exposed infants) starting at 4-6 weeks
of age. Continue until infant is no longer breastfeeding and HIV infection has been
excluded. Dose for cotrimoxazole is shown below.
Age Suspension Paediatric tablets Single strength Double strength
in ml (20mg tablet tablet
(5 ml syrup Trimethoprim& (80mg (160mg
200mg/40mg) 100mg Trimethoprim& trimethoprime &
sulfamethoxazole) 400mg 800mg
sulfamethoxazole sulfamethoxazole
<6 mo 2.5ml per day 1 tab per day ¼ tablet
6mo-5 5ml per day 2 tabs per day ½ tab per day
yrs
>6-14 yrs 10ml per day 4 tab per day 1 tab per day ½ tab per day
>14 yrs 2 tabs per day 1 tab per day

22
 Table 8: HIV testing of Infants Born to HIV-positive Mothers

HIV testing in children born to known HIV-positive women

Age HIV testing What results mean Considerations
<18 HIV ANTIBODY If negative and not Negative test usually rules out
months TEST breastfed for last 6 or infection acquired during
(rapid HIV test) more weeks, the baby is pregnancy and delivery. But
not HIV infected. child can still be infected by
If negative and breastfeeding.
breastfeeding – repeat
test once breastfeeding is
discontinued for 6 or
more weeks.
If positive, test does not Confirms child has been
reliably indicate HIV exposed to HIV, as passive
infection. transfer of maternal
Repeat test at ≥18 antibodies can cause positive
months or do DNA PCR test results.
test if child is sick.
HIV virological Positive virological test DNA PCR test using DBS is
test (DNA PCR results at 6 weeks of age - done at 6 weeks to identify
using DBS) child is infected. Assess or infected infants, not to exclude
refer for ART care and infection.
treatment
Negative virological test in A negative DNA PCR result at 6
an infant NEVER breastfed weeks in a breastfeeding baby
implies the child is does not exclude infection, since
uninfected. Perform the infant is at ongoing risk.
confirmatory antibody test continue close follow-up and
at >12 months of age. CPT, If the baby gets sick follow-
up repeat DNA PCR test. If
infant stays well do rapid
antibody test at least 6 weeks
after complete cessation of
breastfeeding or at 12 months or
later. Refer to national infant
HIV diagnosis algorithm for
further information.
≥18 HIV antibody test Results valid as for adults. If negative and still breast feeding–
months ( rapid test or EIA) Negative=the child is not repeat test once at > 6 weeks after
infected; complete cessation of
Positive=the child is breastfeeding.
infected.
*By the age of 12 months, most infants will have lost maternal antibody. A positive antibody test result is most likely due to the child
being HIV infected. Repeat DNA PCR to confirm HIV infection status. This is especially true in a sick child with signs and symptoms
of HIV infection.

23
5.7 Infant feeding in the context of maternal HIV
Figure 3. Infant-feeding counseling for HIV-positive women
During antenatal care
ƒ Explain to the mother that even if there is a small risk of HIV transmission by breastfeeding, breast milk is
shown to give the best chance of survival even for babies born to HIV-positive mothers
ƒ Encourage mothers to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months
ƒ Explain the risks of replacement feeding and inform mothers that currently this is not recommended for
feeding infants born to HIV-positive mothers in Ethiopia. Explain the danger of mixed feeding and early
weaning
ƒ Review the Key Messages for HIV-positive mothers who choose to breastfeed or who choose to use
replacement feeding, depending on the choice (Table 14)
Post partum
ƒ Encourage and support mother’s choice
At each postnatal visit
o Support mother’s choice
o Monitor growth and development

Preferred infant feeding method

Alternative feeding method
o Exclusive breastfeeding for the first
ƒ This is for the minority of women who choose replacement feeding
6 months
ƒ Review optimal replacement feeding principles, including use of cup and spoon and
o Avoid mixed feeding, feed only
avoiding mixed feeding and bottle feeding
breast milk until 6 months old
ƒ Make sure mother can safely provide formula
o Introduce complementary feeding at
ƒ No breastfeeding with replacement feeding [mixed feeding]
6 months and continue
ƒ Provide clear information about risks of formula; that it is not currently
breastfeeding until 12-18 months
recommended
(when infant can get adequate
ƒ Mothers should use commercial infant formula. Home-modified animal milk should
calories without breast milk)
only be used as a temporary measure since it does not provide the micronutrient
o Counsel mothers on safe
needs of infants <6 months.
breastfeeding practice
ƒ Ensure mother has an uninterrupted supply of formula for at least 12 months
o Promptly manage breast problems
o Teach mother how to prepare the replacement feeding and provide intensive
like mastitis, cracked nipples etc
counselling on hygienic preparation of formula at each visit
o Ensure eligible mothers are on
o Avoid bottle feeding, in order to avoid the risk of diarrhoea and malnutrition
antiretroviral treatment for their own
o Ensure close follow-up to monitor growth and nutritional status monthly to prevent
benefit
malnutrition and gastroenteritis during the first 2 years of life
o Provide nutritional and psychosocial
support to mothers

Table 9: Infant Feeding : Key Messages

Infant feeding counselling and support for HIV-positive mothers who choose to breastfeed:
• Support the mother’s choice
• Encourage exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months
• Advise the mother never to mix feed as this may increase risk of HIV transmission and illness or death from
diarrhoea and other illnesses
• Ensure correct positioning and attachment to prevent mastitis and damage to mother’s nipples:
¾ Advise the mother to return immediately if she encounters breast or nipple problems, or if baby has any difficulty
feeding
¾ Ensure follow-up during first week after discharge to assess attachment and positioning and the condition of
mother’s breasts
¾ Ensure infant follow-up and access to early infant diagnosis service and cotrimoxazole preventive therapy
• Introduce appropriate complementary feeding at 6 months
• Continue breastfeeding after 6 months unless mother is able to provide adequate replacement feeding to sustain
normal growth and development
• Ensure maternal health and nutrition specially enrolment into HIV/ART care.

24
 Infant feeding counselling and support for HIV-positive mothers who choose replacement feeding:
- Support the mother’s choice
- Ensure mother can provide exclusive replacement feeding for the first 6 months and adequate complementary feeding and
milk thereafter. Never mix with breast milk. (Refer to PMTCT reference manual for details).
- Ensure mother understands how to prepare and use infant formula
- Home-modified animal milk is not recommended for infants unless as a temporary measure
- Demonstrate how to prepare and use a cup and spoon; never use feeding bottle
- Give mother written instructions on safe preparation of replacement feed (GIVE OPTIONS)
- Explain the risks of replacement feeding and how to avoid them
- Advise the mother to seek care if the baby has problems such as:
¾ Feeding less than six times daily
¾ Diarrhoea
¾ Poor weight gain
¾ Ensure a follow visit during the first week after discharge to assess how mother is coping with replacement feeding
¾ Ensure baby receives regular follow-up visits with appropriate child care providers in a health or other facility and
access to infant HIV diagnostic service.

VI. Treatment, Care and Support to HIV-positive Women, their Infants and their
Families

PMTCT programs should support the right of HIV-infected women, their infants and families to the highest attainable
standards of health care. Detailed information about the broader care of HIV-positive women and their infants is beyond
the scope of these guidelines, therefore readers should refer to relevant national guidelines for detailed information with
regard to HIV care, treatment and support.

Table 10: Summary of Treatment, Care and Support Services

HIV-infected women and their partners:
- Psychosocial support
- Nutritional support
- Reproductive health care including family planning counselling and services
- Antiretroviral therapy and support
- Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections
- Management of acute illness
- Palliative care
- Community-based support for the well-being of the family including socio-
economic and legal support
HIV exposed and infected infants and children :
- Routine newborn and child health care, including growth monitoring and
immunization according to national Extended Program on Immunization (EPI)
schedule for all children
- Diagnosis and treatment for all health needs, according to national Integrated
Management of Child Illness (IMCI) protocols
- Nutrition counselling and support for both infant and mother
- HIV care and treatment including antiretroviral treatment per the national
guideline for infants and children
- Opportunistic infection prophylaxis as indicated
Families with HIV-infected women or infants:
- Home-based care and community support
- Parent-to-child HIV transmission education, including partner notification
- HIV testing for other children in the family of an HIV-positive woman

25
VII. Basic Principles for use of Antiretroviral Drugs
for PMTCT

Paediatric HIV is a preventable disease. Antiretroviral drugscan decrease viral replication and viral load and significantly
reduce or prevent the risk of maternal to child HIV transmission. In sub-Saharan Africa, 20-30% of HIV infected
pregnant women are eligible for ART based on CD4 criteria. Initiating antiretroviral treatment, rather than PMTCT, for
eligible pregnant women improves maternal and infant outcomes, decreases vertical transmission and minimizes the issue
of antiretroviral resistance. By attending to the health of the mother and treating pregnant and breastfeeding women with
advanced HIV disease with antiretroviral treatment, one can markedly reduce the risk of infant infection. Expediting
assessment for antiretroviral treatment eligibility and antiretroviral treatment initiation is therefore a priority for HIV
infected pregnant women.

As this information is rapidly changing and needs updating frequently, ARV dose and regimen recommendations are
included in the back pocket folder. These standards are based on policies and guidelines issued by Ministry of Health.

1. ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) — is use of 3 or more ARVs

simultaneously to treat HIV infection. ART is a life-long treatment
for the mother and can also significantly reduce MTCT.

2. ARV prophylaxis—short term use of ARV drugs in the mother

and/or infant to reduce MTCT.

HAART is indicated based on WHO clinical staging and/or CD4 count

1. If CD4 testing is available:

o WHO Stage IV disease irrespective of CD4 cell count
o WHO Stage III with CD4 cell count < 350/mm3
o WHO Stages I or II disease with a CD4 cell count < 200/mm3
2. If CD4 count is not available
o WHO Stage IV disease irrespective of total lymphocyte count
o WHO Stage III irrespective of total lymphocyte count
o WHO Stage II disease with a TLC < 1200/mm3

If HAART is not indicated or unavailable for an HIV-positive pregnant woman, antiretroviral prophylaxis should be used
to reduce mother-to-child transmission. In accordance with WHO recommendations, in order to expand coverage and
ensure the largest number of women and their infants benefit, simple and effective PMTCT interventions including short
course antiretroviral must be delivered in all settings with trained health workers, even with limited capacity.

Resistance is one possible consequence of short course ARV prophylaxis particularly with use of nevirapine and 3TC for
both the HIV-positive mother and newborn. The short course ARV prophylaxis regimens listed in the back pocket update
are designed to give more alternatives for different settings and have acceptable efficacy and safety, and the lowest risk of
developing resistance if nevirapine is not included in the regimen.

26
Table 11: Principles for use of Antiretroviral drugs for PMTCT
A. ARV Treatment for HIV infected women who become pregnant while
receiving HAART
— When pregnancy is recognized in the first trimester, the potential benefits and
risks of HAART for the health of the mother and infant should be considered
— For women who become pregnant while receiving an EFV-containing
regimen and are in the first trimester of pregnancy, NVP must be substituted
for EFV with close monitoring of mothers who have higher CD4 cell count (>
250mm3) for the first 12 weeks
— Women who are in the second or third trimester can continue the current
regimen
— Exposure to EFV during pregnancy is not indication to terminate pregnancy
— Women should continue their HAART during labour and post partum
— Infants born to mothers receiving ARVs should receive AZT 4mg/kg/dose
twice daily for 7 days
B. ARV Treatment for HIV-infected pregnant women eligible for HAART and
their infants
- All pregnant HIV-positive women should be evaluated for ART eligibility
using immunological and clinical criteria. They should also be screened for
common OI and managed accordingly. Health care workers must link such
women to facilities where such service is provided.

- During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy ART should be started if only the
benefit outweighs any risk to the foetus; if mother has advanced HIV
infection or a CD4 count is <200, treating her should be a priority.
- Pregnancy does not preclude the use of HAART. However, there are cautions
for use of some antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. Efavirenz (EFV) is
contraindicated during the first 3 months of pregnancy due to risk of birth
defects. Dual NRTIs, d4T and ddI are associated with significant side effects
during pregnancy, therefore co administration is contraindicated
- Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy must be closely monitored by
appropriately trained providers
- All antiretroviral therapy started in pregnancy should continue during labour
and delivery, and the post partum period, and thereafter
- Infants born to HIV-infected mothers on ART should receive post-exposure
prophylaxis with AZT for seven days. The dosage for newborns is listed in
the back pocket update
C. ARV prophylaxis for HIV-positive pregnant women not eligible for ART and
their infants (see back pocket for specific drugs and regimens used both for
mother and the infant)
- Starting from 28 weeks of pregnancy, short course ARV prophylaxis with
combination drugs is recommended for the mother and infant in facilities
where ARVs have been distributed.
- Short course ARV prophylaxis acts in two ways to reduce HIV transmission:
ƒ Reducing maternal viral load
ƒ Pre and post exposure prophylaxis of infant
- Single drug prophylaxis (nevirapine) mother and baby is an interim measure
used in many low resource settings, including Ethiopia, until ARV provision
is complete. However, where possible, it is preferable to use more than one
antiretroviral drug.
- Antiretroviral prophylaxis for MTCT should be given by a skilled attendant or
other health worker to the mother during labour and to the newborn within the
27
 first 72 hours.
- Where women deliver at home, health workers should:
ƒ Provide at least a single dose nevirapine at first opportunity during
ANC visits and ensure reinforcement to take NVP at the onset of
labour at home
ƒ Stress newborns should receive a single dose of NVP within the first
72 hours at the closest health care facility, and encourage women to
make plans to (or have a relative) take the infant to the health facility

VIII. Additional Elements of Clinical Care

8.1 Infection prevention
Standard precautions apply to both clients and providers attending health care facilities and are designed for the care of
everyone, whether or not potentially infected with HIV or other infections (e.g. Hepatitis, TB…). Standard precautions
imply a physical, mechanical or chemical barrier between micro organisms and an individual in order to prevent
transmission. Standard precautions apply to blood and body fluids, secretions and excretions, non-intact skin, and mucous
membranes. Standard precautions should be routinely practiced in health care settings, not based on the nature of
procedures or actual (or assumed) HIV status. Key components are:
- Hand washing before and after all patient contact
- Use of gloves and other protective barriers when exposed to potentially infected body fluids, mucous membranes,
broken skin, or contaminated waste material
- Use of physical barriers (apron, face mask, goggles) if splashes or spills are likely
- Use of antiseptic agents for cleaning the skin or mucous membrane prior to surgical procedures, cleaning wounds,
doing hand scrubs
- Use of safe work practices including not recapping or bending needles, using “safe zone” for passing instruments and
suture material, and when appropriate using blunt needles
- Safe disposal of infectious waste materials to protect those who handle them
- Safe disposal of sharp needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments
- Processing of instruments, gloves, and other items after use by first decontaminating and thoroughly cleaning them,
and then sterilizing or high-level disinfectant application

8.2 Reducing occupational exposure and risk of HIV transmission

HIV transmission to health care workers is a serious potential hazard and a source of concern and anxiety. Exposure that
could put a health care worker at significant risk include either of the following, if it involves blood, tissue or other body
fluids containing visible blood
• Percutaneous needle injury
• Contact of mucous membrane or non-intact skin
Blood through needle stick injuries is the primary route of occupational exposure, though exposure through other infected
body fluids and mucous membrane through contact is also possible. Patient to provider transmission can be prevented or
minimized through appropriate infection prevention measures, including adherence to standard precautions, safe
occupational health measures and ongoing education.

8.3 Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for occupational exposure

Short course antiretroviral drugs can reduce the likelihood of infection following HIV exposure by as much as 80%. Post-
exposure prophylaxis should be administered as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 2 hours. Early rapid
testing of the source patient can help determine the need for PEP and may eliminate unnecessary antiretroviral

28
medication. An accidentally-exposed health worker should have pre-test counselling and an HIV test within 8 days of
exposure. All health workers who initially test negative should have a follow-up HIV test at three months. Currently,
there is no single recommended PEP regimen, but as with all antiretroviral treatment a dual or triple drug therapy is
recommended, depending on: the type of injury and transmission medium, the source client’s status, HIV viral load and
treatment history if known, and the ARV drugs available in the facility. The health worker must have access to a full
month’s supply of ARV once started.

• *Two-drug regimen: AZT/3TC, AZT/FTC, d4T/3TC, d4T/FTC, TDF/3TC, TDF/FTC

• Three-drug regimen: Two NRTIs (above) plus LPV/r.
Alternatives: SQV/r.ATV/r.ATV,IDV/r, or EFV
• Drugs NOT recommended: NVP, ABC, DLV, ddC
*Adapted from John G.Bartlett, MD. And Joel E.Gallant. MD., M.P.H.: medical management of HIV infections 2005-2006

29
IX. Program Management and Coordination
To be effective, the PMTCT program has to have strong coordination among programs at both management and service
delivery levels.
9.1 Service Delivery Planning and Management
All healthcare facilities should provide PMTCT services as an integral component of maternal, neonatal, and child health
care services.

The key elements of service delivery planning and management are:

- Human capacity development: Training requirements for each category of care providers is based on skills needed
to do the job
- Management of drugs and supplies: PMTCT drug procurement, distribution, storage and utilization must comply
with the national Drug Policy and all regulations related to drugs in Ethiopia
- Ensure community involvement: Understanding the community perspective is essential in planning PMTCT
programs at facility level
- Assessment: Assessment of the current state of services and how they are perceived by clients and community can
help focus efforts where critical changes are needed and assist managers in establishing efficient services that women
and families will use
- Organization of services: Issues to consider in determining where services will be offered include:
ƒ Integration and linkages: Every client should have access to elements through the full 4-prong approach,
preferably in a single visit. This requires integration of care in STI, MCH, HCT, HBC and family planning
services
ƒ Multiple contacts: Family planning counselling should be available at every antenatal visit, as a standard
component of counselling, during labour and delivery, and at postnatal visits
ƒ Convenience: Services should be located as close to each other as possible and must ensure privacy and
confidentiality
ƒ Remove barriers: Assess whether services are client-friendly and change processes and procedures that
discourage their use (e.g. burdensome or duplicative administrative requirements, cost, long waits, perception
that confidentiality is not ensured, PLWHA-unfriendliness.)
ƒ Comprehensive approach: Consider every element of care that takes place including: intake, history-taking,
examinations, pre-testing counselling/group education, sample collection, lab work, post-test counselling and
return visits, referral to HIV care/ART and support.
ƒ Caseload: Resource allocation, including human resource, should be based on the number of clients and
work load.

9.2 Staff Performance and Motivation

ƒ All sites should follow PMTCT performance standards developed by the MOH to ensure quality of services
ƒ All staff members need to know about PMTCT service standards and be able to, at a minimum, direct women
to the facility or area where services are offered
ƒ Hold regular meetings to discuss staff problems and reduce burnout
ƒ Follow-up that includes supportive supervision and problem solving
ƒ Provide monetary and non-monetary recognition of the valuable service provided. Ensure continuous flow of
medical supplies and equipment
ƒ Provide job aids (reference materials, pocket guides, wall charts…)
ƒ Make sure job descriptions are regularly updated and are clear
ƒ Host review meetings to get feedback and set agendas for changes needed
ƒ Provide infection prevention supplies and post exposure prophylaxis

30
9.3 Referrals
Standing referral and feedback arrangements should be put in place that:
- Encourage counselling, testing and treatment for partners of women who test positive
- Refer all HIV-positive mothers for ART, care and support, prophylaxis and treatment of OI and psychological support
- Family planning follow-up, especially for women who do not seek routine health services in the facility where they
delivered
- Support infant feeding options chosen by the mother
- Support adherence to antiretroviral treatment or other medications
- Coordinate with health extension workers, community volunteers, and association of people living with HIV

9.4 Monitoring and Evaluation

Systematic data collection, its utilization and dissemination are important to measure program performance, track
progress, evaluate impact, guide program implementation and future planning should be an integral part of the PMTCT
program. Systematic data collection, analysis and utilization are also vital for advocacy and informed policy decisions.

The National Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for the Multi-Sectoral Response to HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia
(issued December 2003) has identified indicators for the PMTCT program (Annex F) which should be used for M&E of
the PMTCT program.

31
X. Program Effectiveness
Many PMTCT programs may not be effective at start up, which can be frustrating and difficult for providers and others
involved in implementing services. Table 12 lists potential gaps that indicate low program effectiveness and actions that
can be taken in health facilities and community to address them.

Table 12: Potential gaps and Strategies to Increase PMTCT

Program Effectiveness
Gaps Strategies
High stigma and - Model respect for women and PLWHA during all client
discrimination contacts and in the community
- Take a visible leadership role in community activities to
address stigma and discrimination and support IEC and
BCC
- Speak out about gender inequality especially practices that
make women vulnerable to HIV and limits their ability to
use PMTCT
- Involve PLWHA in campaigns to reduce stigma and
discrimination and to be part of prevention and care services
- Involve local officials, political leaders, community and
FBO leaders to ensure that other sectors such as agricultural
extension workers, education workers, youth associations,
women’s associations, PLWHA and health workers are
aware of the problem and collaborate to resolve it
- Expansion of treatment, care and support services
- Strengthen/facilitate pro-poor micro financing schemes
Low male - Promote involvement of men in PMTCT and MCH
involvement programs as partners, fathers and concerned community
members
- Promote couples counselling and testing; involve men with
women’s consent
- Inform men about PMTCT/MCH services and infant
feeding
- Promote a male-friendly environment at clinics by having
flexible hours
- Involve local officials, community and FBOs to ensure that
other sectors such as agricultural extension workers,
education workers, youth associations, women’s
associations and health workers to improve male
involvement
- Make PMTCT services an integrated, routine part of care
Poor community - Make services an integrated, routine part of MNCH and
uptake of other health care services.
available services - Maintain and ensure client confidentiality and privacy.
Make sure clients understand that confidentiality and
privacy will be maintained
- Involve local officials and community leaders, FBO,
through social mobilization to ensure that other sectors such
as agricultural extension workers, education workers, youth
associations, women’s associations and health workers are
aware of this problem and can work to improve uptake
High percentage - Promote skilled delivery/ through IEC/BCC from community
of women do not level workers
get skilled - Ensure that services are of high quality and promote quality
antenatal, delivery to boost community confidence in services
and postpartum - Let mothers take nevirapine home to take at the onset of
care
32
 labour
- Make sure maternal services where women go for childbirth
can identify women in need of prophylaxis and act
accordingly

High percentage - Stress importance of adherence and of making birth

of women and plan/emergency preparedness to deliver at the health facility
children do not - Involve male partner in counselling
use the full course
- If the woman can’t follow the course openly, help her plan
of prophylaxis
how to use it privately
- Strengthen care and support mechanisms, such as mothers’
support groups to help women and families address
challenges in utilizing services
High staff - Develop performance-based monetary and non-monetary
turnover and low recognition schemes (salary increment, staff housing,
staff motivation certificates, newsletter acknowledgement, and other
schemes)
- Delegate tasks/responsibilities to qualified mid-level health
professionals/non health professionals
- Regular updates and on-the-job training
- Increase training support to facilities to cover as many
providers as possible through on-the-job training and
clinical mentoring
Staff not - Provide job aids and follow-up on training within 8-10
performing up to weeks of training, at the latest
standard - Introduce PMTCT performance standards at facilities to
motivate and help providers improve performance and
assess service provision
- Provide supportive supervision and integrate PMTCT in
supervisor training and supervisor checklists. Supervision
should cover community outreach as well as facility-based
activities

33
References
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 1996. Family Planning Manual for Health Workers. Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. Guidelines for Implementation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Ministry of
Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2000. Guidelines for the Clinical Management of HIV Infection in Adults in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa:
Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. Guidelines for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. Infection Prevention Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Ministry of
Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2004. Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Health Workers in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa:
Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 1999. MCH protocols. (Module One: Introduction to Integrated RH/MCH Services, Module Two:
Antenatal Care, Module Three: Intrapartum Care, Module Four: Postnatal Care, Module Seven: Traditional Practices.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2003. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2004. National Guidelines for ANC-Based HIV Surveillance. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2002. National Guidelines for Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing in Ethiopia and HIV Counselling
and Testing Guidelines. Under development.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2001. National Guidelines for the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections using the Syndromic
Approach.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2004. National Guidelines for Control and Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies, Ministry of Health:
Family Health Department.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2003. National Implementation Framework for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. PMTCT Curriculum Reference. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Health.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2002. Tuberculosis and Leprosy Prevention and Control Programme. Disease Prevention and Control
Department.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. National Reproductive Health Strategy 2005-2015.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2004. National Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. Ethiopia/MOH, April 2004.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2002 Tuberculosis and Leprosy Prevention and Control Programme. Disease Prevention and Control
Department.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2004. National Guidelines for Control and Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies. Ethiopia/MOH.
Family Health Department.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2003. National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Multi-Sectoral Response to HIV/AIDS in
Ethiopia. National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office (HAPCO)
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. Essential Nutrition Actions to Improve the Nutrition of Women and Children in Ethiopia in the
Context of HIV/AIDS.
Ethiopia Ministry of Health, 2005. Guidelines for the Clinical Management of HIV Infection in Adults in Ethiopia (Ethiopia/MOH,
2000) and Guidelines for Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Ethiopia.
FHI/UNAIDS, 2001. Best Practices in HIV/AIDS Prevention. Washington: FHI/Geneva: WHO. (Downloaded Sept. 13, 2005)
Hareg Project, 2004. DRAFT Ethiopia Hareg Health Management Information System (HMIS) Manual for Managers.
Horizons Program, 2002. Integrating HIV Prevention and Care into Maternal and Child Health Care Settings: Lessons learned from
Horizons Studies.
IntraHealth International-Ethiopia, 2005. A Practical Guide to PMTCT Service Implementation.
Preble, Elizabeth A. and Ellen G. Piwoz, 2001. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Africa: Practical guidance for
programs. Washington: AED. Support for Analysis and Research in Africa (SARA) Project.
Rutenberg, Naomi and Carolyn Baek, 2004. Review of Field Experiences: Integration of Family Planning and PMTCT Services. New
York: Population Council.
Rutenberg, Naomi, Sam Kalibala, Carolyn Baek, and James Rosen, 2003. Programme Recommendations for the Prevention of
Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: A practical guide for managers. New York: UNICEF.
Rutenberg, Naomi, Carolyn Baek, Sam Kalibala, and James Rosen, 2003. Evaluation of United Nations-Supported Pilot Projects for
the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV. New York: UNICEF
UNICEF, 2003. Programme Recommendations for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV.
UNICEF, 2004. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT): Checklist for Developing a Supply Management
Strategy. (Downloaded Sept 30 2005.)
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resource-limited settings, towards universal access.
34
ANNEX

ANNEX A Minimum PMTCT program package includes:

Minimum PMTCT program package includes:
• Routine offering of HIV counselling and testing
• Safe and quality obstetrical services
• Provision of HIV care/ART for mothers, if indicated
• ARV prophylaxis for mother and infant
• Infant feeding counselling
• FP counselling
• Functional referral linkage
The minimum requirement to initiate and sustain integrated PMTCT service delivery at health
facility level is indicated below.
Area Minimum Requirement
Human A minimum of 6 health care providers trained in comprehensive PMTCT service delivery
Resource (HCT, safer obstetricalp, infant feeding options, family planning counselling, IP).
Target: Aim to train at least 60% of technical staff in PMTCT at each facility level
Infrastructure - Counselling room with doors and windows to ensure auditory
and visual privacy
- Functional labour and delivery unit
- Functional laboratory
- Running water & electricity supply
Logistics and Test kits:
Supplies ƒ Rapid test kits recommended by country policy/ guideline
ƒ Test tubes/ vacutainer tubes
Drugs:
ƒ Nevirapine syrup and tablets
ƒ Other drugs for ART prophylaxis recommended in this guideline
ƒ Cotrimoxazole syrup and tablets
ƒ FeSo4 tablets and Vitamin A
ƒ STI drugs

IP supplies
ƒ Gloves (surgical/gynaecological and utility), disposable syringes and needles,
goggles, plastic apron)
ƒ Chlorine solution, detergents
ƒ Autoclave
ƒ Puncture-proof sharp disposal containers
Family Planning supplies
ƒ Condoms and other FP commodities
HMIS
ƒ Register books, reporting formats
Job Aids
ƒ PMTCT cue card, PMTCT guideline, PMTCT performance standard
ƒ Client education materials (optional)
- Basic delivery equipment and supplies.
Delivery couch, delivery set.
Support - Management support (ongoing supportive supervision and feedback, logistics and supply
System management, performance-based motivation/recognition)
- Referral linkage with prevention , ART and care and support
Performance improvement tools such as COPE, PIA
35
ANNEX B Human Capacity Development Needs by Category
Position/Category Areas for capacity development
For all categories - IEC and BCC on: PMTCT, safe traditional practices,
risks associated with harmful practices, etc.
Community/family - Home-based care of mothers and children living with
members HIV
- Community dialogue on PMTCT knowledge, family
planning, male involvement in maternal and child
care, stigma alleviation and recognition of danger
signs for appropriate referral to HC or HP.
Association of people - Same as above
living with HIV/AIDS - PMTCT literacy, promotion of male involvement and
(PLWHA) responsibility of PMTCT to HIV

Community health - Same as above

workers (traditional - Partner with family and community members—to
birth attendants, TBA, recognize problems and take action, birth
CBRHAs, CHBC preparedness
providers, CHAs, etc)
Health Extension - Same as above
Workers - FP, antenatal care, obstetric first aid and normal
delivery and postnatal care
- Infant and child feeding
- care of PLWHA in the health care setting and at
home
- IEC/BCC related to PMTCT
- Prevention of STIs
- HIV Rapid testing
- Counselling pregnant women
- Administration of NVP prepared for community
distribution.
Clinicians (Midwives, - Completion of PMTCT Training Course
nurses, medical doctors - Antenatal and postnatal care, safe obstetrical care, FP
and health officers) - Infant and child feeding
- Care of PLWHA in the health care setting and at
home
- Legal and ethical issues related to ART
- Infection prevention/standard precautions
- IEC/BCC related to PMTCT
- Monitoring and evaluation of PMTCT provision
- ART
- Treatment of OIs and STIs
- Provision of essential obstetric care
- HIV rapid testing
- Counselling pregnant women
- Using Standard Based Management approach and PI
process for improving the quality of PMTCT
services.
Laboratory technicians - Infection prevention/standard precautions
- HIV testing (mother and infant)
- ART monitoring laboratory methods
- Quality assurance for HIV testing.
- Basic laboratory equipment maintenance
Environmental health - Infection prevention/standard precautions
technicians - Disinfection and sterilization of instruments and
materials used by HIV-positive mothers and children
- Disposal of wastes
- IEC/BCC
Health - PMTCT program planning
officers/managers and - Drug supply, logistics, management
administrators - Quality assurance
- Monitoring and evaluation

36
ANNEX C Checklist: Talking with parents about their child’s positive HIV test results

Checklist: Talking with parents about their child’s positive HIV test results
Prepare to talk with parent or guardian
• Make sure you have the child’s result and inform the parent you have it
• Schedule an appointment
• Greet the client and establish rapport
• Ask the parent or guardian whether they have had any questions since the child’s blood test
• Answer questions and let the client know that counselling will continue to be available to help with important
decisions
Inform the parent of the test result
• Give the parent time. Ask, “Are you ready to receive your child’s HIV test result?”
• State, in a neutral tone, “The baby’s test result is positive after ruling out other causes. This means that the baby
has HIV infection.”
• Pause and wait for the parent to respond before continuing. Give the parent time to express any emotions
• If the parent would like to see proof of the result, provide it
• Check the parent’s understanding of the result’s meaning
• Discuss and support the parent’s feelings and emotions
• Explain that the blood test found evidence of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the baby’s body. Review the
testing procedure with the parent and check s/he understands the results. Explain the accuracy of the test.
• Allow time for silence
• Reassure the family that, although there is no cure, there is treatment available and emphasize that children can
live many years before they become sick with HIV-related illnesses. Talk about available antiretroviral treatments
for HIV, when the child needs them
• Recognize that many people may interpret this diagnosis as a death sentence
• Anticipate reactions of grief, shock, disbelief, denial, and anger. Offer appropriate support
• Discuss ways to keep the child healthy
• Emphasize the need for immunizations
• Talk about good nutrition
• Stress the child should live an active life and play like other children whenever possible
• Review the importance of prompt medical attention as well as preventive care. If the baby is less than 12 months
old, stress the importance of PCP prophylaxis; ensure access to cotrimoxazole, and instruct the parent how to give
the liquid. If this is an HIV-exposed infant, communicate with the parent that the cotrimoxazole is not to prevent
HIV infection, and avoid mislabelling the infant as HIV-positive
• Review Standard Precautions for Infection Prevention
• Reassure the family that close familial contact and normal baby care do not transmit HIV
• Review measures for diaper/nappy changing (no gloves are necessary), blood spills (use a barrier), and open sores
(they should be covered)
• Identify other family members who could be at risk for HIV infection
• Identify, counsel, and test siblings who could be at risk. Families must be given time and support to do this
• Identify a support system
• Identify a personal support system for the family
• Assess the psychological status of mother and other family members
• Refer family to a support group, if they are interested
• Provide the family with written material that they can take home, if they are interested
• Review issues of confidentiality
• Introduce disclosure issues
• Explain how confidentiality is handled in the clinical setting
• Assess the family’s understanding of the diagnosis and care at each visit
• Review and offer additional information as appropriate
.

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ANNEX D Antenatal Care Services for HIV positive or HIV status unknown pregnant women
Table 9: Antenatal Care Services for HIV positive or HIV status
unknown pregnant women
Encourage a minimum of FOUR focused antenatal visits:
1-as early in pregnancy as possible 2-at 28-32 weeks 3-after 36 weeks
4-before expected date of delivery or when woman needs to consult
Client history Obtain routine data including medical, obstetric and psychosocial
history. Determine medication history, known allergies and use
of any complementary medical care, such as herbal products or
traditional healers. Record estimated date of delivery.
Baseline Record weight, height, blood pressure and edema. Clinical
assessment assessment for signs or symptoms of current illness including
TB, malaria, severe anaemia and STIs.
Abdominal exam Palpate for foetal position and measure foetal growth. Listen to
foetal heart. Check for masses or hepatospleenomegaly.
Pelvic exam Where affordable and feasible, all women should have a pelvic
exam at least once during pregnancy to screen for RTI’s and
perform bimanual examination
Lab diagnostics Perform routine testing, including:
• Blood type and Rh factor
• Syphilis serology
• HIV test for unknown status
• Hematocrit for anaemia at first visit, repeated in third
trimester
• Stool exam for ova and parasites
• Blood sugar for gestational diabetes where indicated
• Urine culture at intake, if available, and otherwise as
indicated if suspicion of UTI
• Urinalysis for protein in third trimester
• Consider testing for malaria in endemic areas.
Tetanus Tetanus Toxoid immunization as indicated for all women
Nutritional Nutritional counselling including:
assessment and
• Pregnant women should be encouraged to eat a varied diet
counselling
with one extra meal per day.
• Iron and folate supplementation recommended for at least 6
months of pregnancy, 2 months postpartum.
• Increased Vitamin A intake should be recommended through
food sources, or where unavailable, by supplementation with
a multivitamin containing 7000-1000 IU of Vitamin A per
day OR 25,000 IU (one half of 50,000 IU Vitamin A
capsule) once a week.
• Routine consumption of iodized salt, or in highly endemic
areas one capsule of supplemental iodine, which will cover a
pregnant woman for 1-2 years. (See National Guidelines for
Control and Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies, 2004)
STI Screening • Include risk assessment for STIs. Diagnosis and early
treatment of STIs
• Educate women about relationship of HIV and other STIs
and to avoid transmission or re-infection.
• Partner notification
Tuberculosis All women with a cough of more than two weeks duration
should be screened for tuberculosis.
Malaria All pregnant women in malaria endemic areas should be
encouraged to use insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs) and receive
immediate treatment for malaria following the National
Guidelines
Anaemia Prevention of anaemia due to parasitic infections: all pregnant
38
 women should receive single dose of 500mg of mebendazole
(after 1st trimester) to prevent/treat asymptomatic hookworm.
Infant feeding All women should receive optimal infant-feeding counselling
and support. For all women, regardless of HIV status, exclusive
breastfeeding should be promoted and supported.
Counselling Danger signs - provide information and instructions on seeking
essential obstetric services for danger signs of complications
(e.g. bleeding, fever, severe headache and/or loss of
consciousness and abdominal pain.
Birth preparedness Preparing for normal birth: plan for place of delivery, presence
and complications of a skilled birth attendant at home or in facility, and essential
clean items for delivery
Complication readiness: recognize danger signs, designate
decision maker(s), plan for emergency funds and transport, rapid
referral and blood donors if necessary
Contraception/Safer Counsel on consistent use of condoms during pregnancy, as well
Sex as postpartum and while breast feeding to avoid exposure or re-
exposure to STI’s and HIV. Encourage partner involvement
where possible.
Source: Adapted from: Table 3.1 Module 3-7 PMTCT Curriculum Reference.

39
ANNEX E Checklist for PMTCT Monthly Site Supervision
Supportive supervision of PMTCT sites is key to sustainable improvement of the PMTCT service delivery in particular and for the
improvement of MCH service in general. Before going for the supportive supervision, supervisors should have basic data and
information about the service they are going to supervise.

1- Identification

Month _________________________ Date of visit_____________________

Name of site visited __________________________ Region ______________
Name of supervisor/team leader_____________________________________

2. Service integration to Yes No If yes, write number of mothers referred

Labour and Delivery [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________
PNC follow-up [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________
IMCI/EPI [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________
FP [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________
OI [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________
VCT [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________
ART [ ] [ ] ___________from__________to _________

3. Any service interruption? [Y] [N]

Why?
____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. Community referral Yes No
Any community referral card in the facility? [ ] [ ]
Is the community team actively functioning? [ ] [ ]
Regular meeting, community conversation, house visit etc. [ ] [ ]

Any other?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Any problems
____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

5. Essential equipment and supplies

5.1 Antiretroviral Yes No Exp. Date

Nevirapine Tablet [ ] [ ] ____________
Nevirapine Syrup [ ] [ ] ____________
Others if any, ________________________

ARV drug stock balance

____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________

5.2 Where is Neverapine kept? Yes No

In ANC [ ] [ ] ___________
In L&D [ ] [ ] ___________
Other place, specify _______________________

5.3 Laboratory Supplies Yes No Comment

40
 HIV Screening Test Kit [ ] [ ] ___________
HIV Confirmatory Test Kit [ ] [ ] ___________
HIV Tie Breaker Test Kit [ ] [ ] ___________
Test tubes [ ] [ ] ___________
Paster pippet tip [ ] [ ] ___________
Nunc tube [ ] [ ] ___________

5.4. IP Supplies Yes No

Gloves [ ] [ ] ___________
Aprons [ ] [ ] ___________
Goggles [ ] [ ] ___________
Autoclaves [ ] [ ] ___________
Sharp boxes [ ] [ ] ___________

5.5. Basic Obstetric Care Supplies Yes No

Delivery couches [ ] [ ] ___________
Delivery sets [ ] [ ] ___________
Oxytocine [ ] [ ] ___________

How are the kits and supplies stored?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Job Aids and IEC Materials Yes No Comment

PMTCT brochures [ ] [ ] ______________
Birth preparedness checklist [ ] [ ] ______________
PMTCT leaflets [ ] [ ] ______________
Health education on PMTCT given [ ] [ ] ______________
If yes, how many times per week? ________________
Monthly group [ ] [ ]
Education schedule [ ] [ ] ______________
PMTCT guide line available [ ] [ ] ______________
7. Available PMTCT Related Format
Monthly summary reporting format [ ] [ ] _____________
Counselling registration book (Form1) [ ] [ ] _____________
ANC PMTCT enrolment register
(Form 2) [ ] [ ] ______________
Labour and delivery register (Form 3) [ ] [ ] ______________
Paediatric follow-up register (Form 4) [ ] [ ] ______________
Lab log book (Form 5) [ ] [ ] ______________
Lab referral slips [ ] [ ] ______________
Referral linkage slips [ ] [ ] ______________
ANC-PMTCT appointment card [ ] [ ] ______________
PMTCT stickers [ ] [ ] ______________
8. Management support Yes No
Is there a functional management team? [ ] [ ]
Is there a counsellor support group? [ ] [ ]
Any related issues
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

9. HMIS/Health management information system

Completeness of the report and registration
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Analysis and use of data at facility level
______________________________________________________________________________________________

41
 ______________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Availability of management improvement tools such as COPE, PIA,
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Actions taken and support provided by facilitator during site visit:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
General comment and suggestions:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
Comments of the supervisee:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________

Signature of the supervisee__________________________

Signature of the supervisor/team leader_______________

42
ANNEX F: PMTCT Indicators

The Ministry of Health and HAPCO monitors PMTCT activities and achievements and evaluates the program success in
meeting goals by compiling reports on the indicators listed below:

PMTCT Indicators

Percentage of HIV infected pregnant women receiving a complete course of

antiretroviral prophylaxis to reduce the risk of MTCT in accordance with the
nationally approved treatment protocol in the last 12 months (disaggregated by
region)
Percentage of HIV infected infants born to HIV infected mothers (disaggregated by
region)
Percentage of all possible public, private, missionary and workplace health facilities
(family planning and primary health care clinics, ANC/MCH, and maternity
hospitals) providing the minimum package of services to prevent HIV infection in
infants in the past 12 months (disaggregated by region.)
Percentage of pregnant women that:
a. Attend ANC at least once
b. Receive pre-test counselling/information on HIV
c. Receive HIV testing
d. Receive post-test counselling on HIV
e. Receive HIV results
f. Tested positive and referred to treatment care and support
g. Received antiretroviral drugs for PMTCT purposes
Percentage of infants that:
a. Received antiretroviral drugs for prevention
b. Received CTX prophylaxis
c. Tested for confirmation using either antigen or antibody test
Number of health facilities providing PMTCT services in the past 12 months
(disaggregated by region)
Percentage of HIV-positive women receiving contraceptive methods and condoms
The contraceptive prevalence rate in the operational area
Number of referrals for care and support
Number of support groups established by woreda
Percentage of woredas with at least one health facility providing PMTCT
(disaggregated by region)

43