Expansion and Strengthening of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Services in Private Health Facilities in Ethiopia Under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

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The purpose of this program is to increase coverage and improve uptake of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services through integrating PMTCT into existing Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in private health care facilities in Ethiopia." PMTCT coverage in Ethiopia remains low due to different interrelated factors. • Low national ANC coverage (28%) and low institutional delivery rate (6%); • Lack of integration of PMTCT with MCH service; • Lack of awareness of the benefits of PMTCT services; • Low male involvement; • Stigma and discrimination; • Shortage and high turnover of staff; • Shortage of PMTCT commodities (test kits and reagents); • Lost to follow up of women and children; and • Poor linkage with pediatric care and treatment program including early infant diagnosis are contributing to this. However, efforts are underway to meet the target of reaching the original goals of 80% coverage and 40% reduction in infant infection.

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