Improving Timeliness in Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) Services for HIV Exposed Infants in Zambia: The Impact of the Electronic Health Exposed Infant Monitoring Tool (EHEI_Mt)

Over 1.2 million newborns are exposed to HIV annually, with Zambia contributing significantly due to its 21% HIV prevalence among pregnant women.Testing exposed infants is crucial for early diagnosis.This study utilized a case-control design study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Electronic Health Exposed Infant Monitoring tool in improving Early Infant Diagnosis services in the Kabwe and Chibombo districts of Zambia.Our study was conducted across 16 health facilities involving 248 infantmother pairs aged 0 to 2 months.Of these, 163 pairs were enrolled into the EHEI_Mt system, while 85 pairs continued being tracked by the existing standard system.Both groups were monitored for 12 months using the electronic tool and Ministry of health standard systems.Descriptive analysis with Pearson Chi2-test was done to determine associations between the use of a tracking system for HIV Exposed infants and other explanatory variables.A stepwise, backward logistic regression model was fitted to predict factors associated with early infant diagnosis uptake.All analyses were done using STATA version 25 (Stata Corp, US Texas.No mother-related factors were significantly associated, but babies in the EHEI_Mt Tool group were more likely to keep appointments (p < 0.001), with 73% having a known HIV outcome compared to 22% in the Standard group.We recommend standalone electronic systems as a reminder for healthcare workers for better infant tracking and adherence.Further research on HIV-positive mothers ' perceptions of current early infant diagnosis health systems is needed to address gaps in the PMTCT program for improved outcomes.