Evaluation of a Regional Pilot Program to Prevent Mother-Infant HIV Transmission--Thailand, 1998-2000

Abstract

This evaluation report summarizes an evaluation of the 2-year pilot program in Thailand initiated by the Ministry of Public Health in 1998-2000. The program was created to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission in a rural area in northeastern Thailand. It also highlights the rapid translation of research findings into a national public health prevention program in developing countries. The program involved the integration of routine antenatal counseling and voluntary confidential HIV testing into public antenatal clinic services. In addition HIV-infected women were offered zidovudine and free powdered infant formula for 12 months. Assessment of the programs coverage acceptability and impact involved an interview with women whose HIV status was not documented at delivery and with HIV-infected women. Meanwhile HIV polymerase chain reaction tests were used to assess the programs effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. Overall the findings have indicated the high acceptance of HIV testing and adherence to zidovudine as well as reduction of HIV transmission. Moreover the findings demonstrate the feasibility of implementing programs for the prevention of mother-infant HIV transmission on a large scale in the country.