Retention in care of HIV-exposed infants and associated infant and maternal factors in Teso Sub Region, Eastern Uganda

Retention in care showed an early peak, followed by a gradual decline during mid-follow-up, and later stabilized toward the end of the observation period. The retention in care of HIV-exposed infants was significantly higher among infants residing in Kumi and Serere districts compared to Bukedea. Timely EID registration and timely initiation of Nevirapine prophylaxis significantly reduced retention in care. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening early infant diagnosis while addressing contextual barriers to enhance continuity of care with targeted support to lower-performing districts like Bukedea.