Coverage and Uptake of PMTCT Services in Primary Health Care Centres in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Well over 90% of new infections among infants and young children occur through mother-to-child transmission, so the survey was set out to determine the coverage and the uptake of the prevention of mother to child transmission ( PMTCT) services in Plateau State. A cross sectional survey of all Primary Health Care facilities in all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State was carried out using a facility survey questionnaire, a desk review of the facilities’ records and an in-depth interview guide. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 3.5.1 statistical software. A total of 888 PHCs in the State were surveyed out of which only 75(8.5%) were offering PMTCT services. The overall PMTCT service coverage in the state was between 3.5% to 17.8% and only 2(11.8%) of the LGAs had a coverage rate of 15-20% .The result of the desk review showed that 19,935(55.2%) had individual pre-test counselling, 32,987(91.4%) accepted HIV testing and 1,866 (5.7%) were HIV positive. Partner notification was 23.7% of which 10.7% were found to be HIV positive. Most (92.3%) got their Anti retroviral drugs (ARVs) from the secondary health care facilities. The coverage of PMTCT services, partner notification and counselling on infant feeding was found to be low in Plateau State.