Effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV program in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program in a tertiary level health facility in Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study. Records of HIV positive pregnant women who registered and had antenatal care (ANC) in the period January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008, delivered in the hospital and whose HIV-exposed babies were followed-up to 6 weeks of age when HIV status was determined by DNA polymerase chain reaction techniques were collected and analyzed. Results: During the 3 years period, 643 pregnant women were HIV-positive. Among these group, 495 delivered in the hospital and 247 had their babies followed-up till the point of HIV testing. The overall MTCT rate was 2.4%, mothers who used triple combination antiretroviral (ARV) therapy or prophylaxis recorded MTCT rate of 1.3% while mothers who received only intrapartum single dose nevirapine had MTCT rate of 37.5%. The majority of the mothers, 186 (76.5%) were delivered by caesarean section, and the MTCT rate in this group was 1.6% while the MTCT rate in mothers who delivered vaginally was 5.5%. Exclusive formula feeding was practiced by 232 (96%) mothers, and had a MTCT rate of 2.1%. While the MTCT rate in mothers who practiced exclusive breastfeeding was 12.5%. Conclusions: The MTCT rate in the PMTCT program in this study compared favorably with reports from other centers and developed countries where similar interventions are the standard care for HIV-positive women. The finding demonstrates that routine provision of comprehensive PMTCT services including triple combination ARV drugs is feasible and effective in our setting.