PMTCT Program in Ho Chi Minh City Reviewed

Over 130 representatives from CDC/PEPFAR supported sites recently participated in a program review of PMTCT held in Ho Chi Minh City to share program achievements in the last 5 years and future directions and strategies for the next period. The PMTCT program has been successful in achieving high coverage of HIV testing and treatment for pregnant women (92%) and a low rate of HIV transmission (1.8%).

However, the program continues to face challenges such as lost to follow up after delivery, achieving full integration of the program into the maternal and child health system for sustainability, and reduced funding. To address a few of the program gaps, the city will focus on implementing a city-wide program called Option B+, which provides all HIV-positive pregnant or breastfeeding women with a course of antiretroviral drug to prevent mother-to-child transmission and strengthen linkages and referrals to other programs and provinces.