Utilization of PMTCT services at Juba Teaching Hospital, South Sudan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the uptake of PMTCT services by mothers attending postnatal services at Juba Teaching Hospital.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinic between May and August 2012

Results: All 300 women recruited had at least one antenatal care visit and 246 (82%) received antenatal counselling for HIV: 201 (67%) were tested and 15 (7.5%) were positive. Thirteen of these HIV positive mothers delivered in a health facility. CD4 tests were not done. Three mothers were put on single dose Nevirapine and two on a more efficacious ARV combination, the rest did not receive an ARV. Ten of HIV exposed infants received Nevirapine after delivery. Not all of the HIV-exposed babies were tested by polymerase chain reaction/deoxyribonucleic acid (PCR/DNA). Six babies were on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months with four on formula and five on mixed feeding. Six mothers were not using any mode of family planning, one used condoms, one had an IUCD and one used dates (natural) method.

Conclusion: Although the majority of the mothers received HIV counselling during the antenatal period less than 70% were tested for HIV. CD4 count testing was not routinely done and the use of HAART and other more efficacious ARV combinations were rarely used. DNA/PCR was not routinely done for HIV exposed infants. Safe infant feeding practices were limited. A majority of those with HIV positive partners did not practice safe family planning methods.