Improving access to PMTCT and ART services in hawassa health center,Ethiopia

Background: HIV infection is a serious public health problem. Ethiopia is one of the seriously affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa.The prevalence in Hawassa health center using antenatal care based sentinel surveillance was 5% in 2007. ART and PMTCT Programs are among the key national HIV/AIDS intervention strategies which are underutilized in health facilities. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the situation of ART and PMTCT services so as to identify gaps and suggest practically possible solutions. Methods: Facility based cross-sectional survey was conducted retrospectively and prospectively using quantitative as well qualitative methods. The study took place in Hawassa Health Center found in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. The time of study was from November 17, 2008 to February 1, 2009.The study subjects were patients who got HIV care and pregnant mothers who attended PMTCT service. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and summarize findings of the study. Results: The records of 51 patients on ART and 123 patients on pre-ART were reviewed. In addition, 3 years data of PMTCT were reviewed. There were 6(11.3%) patients lost to follow up and 1(1.9%) had died. Out of 514 positive cases tested in the health center, only 243(47.3%) were linked to chronic HIV care. 37.7% and 52.8% of ANC attended mothers received pre-test counseling on HIV in 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Conclusions: The commencement of PMTCT and ART service makes the services accessible. However, the identified problems have affected the service delivery. Therefore, implementation of the proposed interventions was recommended.