Swaziland's prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme is linked to maternal and newborn health (MNH) services, but is mainly focussed on HIV/AIDS. Existing MNH services are inadequate, especially postnatal care (PNC) of mothers and babies, with delayed postnatal visits occurring at 4-6 weeks after delivery. Fifty-seven percent of staff in seven Swazi health facilities were trained in promoting and providing early PNC. A final evaluation showed a 20-fold increase in the number of visits coming for an early postnatal visit (within the first three days after birth). A direct observation of the client-provider interaction showed a significant increase in the competence of the health workers related to postnatal examinations, and care of mothers and babies (p<0.05- < 0.01). The percentage of women breastfeeding within one hour of delivery increased by 41% in HIV-positive mothers and 52% in HIV-negative mothers. Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for HIV-exposed infants increased by 24%. Although, health workers were observed providing counselling, maternal recall of messages was deficient, suggesting the need for additional strategies for promoting healthy behaviours. High-quality integrated PMTCT programmes and MNH postnatal services are feasible and acceptable, and can result in promoting early postnatal visits and improved care of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative mothers and their babies.
The Population Council is an international, non-profit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of regional and country offices. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (The Foundation) is a recognized global leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Since its inception in 1988 as a U.S.-based non-profit 501 (c) (3), the Foundation has been at the global forefront of the fight to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs. The Foundation provided financial and technical support to this study. The financial support was provided to Population Council through the sub-agreement number CTA-0101-42-307-05. The sub-award was made under the authority provided to Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation USAID Cooperative Agreement No. GPH-A-00-02-00011-00), titled-Call to Action Project..‖ BASICS (Basic Support for Institutionalizing Child Survival), is a global project to assist developing countries in reducing infant and child mortality through the implementation of proven health interventions. BASICS is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (contract no.
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