Assessing the Outcome of PMTCT Intervention Among Infants Born by HIV-Positive Mothers at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, Southern Tanzania 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) intervention among infants born to HIV-positive mothers at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital (IRRH) in Southern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study design was employed to investigate the population of HIV-exposed infants attending PMTCT follow-up at IRRH. Data were collected on infant HIV infection status and demographic characteristics. The study found that the prevalence of HIV-infected infants on PMTCT follow-up at IRRH was 4.1% in 2020, 1.3% in 2021, and 2.7% in 2022. These results underscore the continued risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in resource-limited settings, despite ongoing PMTCT interventions. The study concludes that there remains a significant risk of MTCT of HIV among infants on PMTCT follow-up. It is recommended to include exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, encouraging HIV-exposed mothers to join peer support groups, and enhancing couple counseling on infant feeding methods and treatment adherence.