P45.06
Background: Although ARVs and public awareness is being used to eliminate new HIV infections among infants, limited information indicating their impact on the trend of HIV prevalence among infants born to HIV infected mothers exists. This study determined the trend of HIV infection among infants born to HIV infected mothers in relation to specific ARV administration. Also assessed the knowledge about HIV transmission between mothers and infants.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, dried blood spot samples (2010, n=4210; 2011, n=4093; 2012, n=4686; 2013, n=3080) collected from infants aged≤18 months. These samples were analyzed at KEMRI-CIPDCR using PCR assay. Some mothers who received public health education were pregnant. All mothers were put on anti-retroviral drugs during and after delivery.
Results: Out of the total number of samples tested 9.7%; 8.5%; 7.9%; 7.2% were HIV positive in 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013 respectively. The prevalence of HIV in infants whose mothers had been put on ARVS was as follows: AZT+NVP+3TC was 10.4%, 9.1%, 6.3%, 6.0% in 2010; 2011; 2012, 2013 respectively. HAART was 7.1%; 6.1%; 4.7%; 3.9% in 2010; 2011; 2012, 2013 respectively. SdNVP was 10.3%; 7.4%; 6.2%; 6.0% in 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013 respectively. Those mothers who had not been given any ARV had their infants with HIV prevalence reaching 11.2%; 12.6%; 12.7%; 12.9% in 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013 respectively. Those mothers who were aware that ARVs reduce transmission of HIV from mother to child were 30%vs70%; not breastfeeding were 37%vs81% and Delivery at the hospital were 43%vs89% before and after public health awareness respectively.
Conclusions: Direct relationship between specific ARV administration and HIV infection among infants exists. This is evident by the fact that HIV prevalence appeared to decrease with subsequent years of provision of specific drugs. HAART seemed to provide greater impact in HIV prevention compared to others. There is need for intensified awareness among reproductive women to help in reduction of transmission.
