Use of services for prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Angola: A retrospective analysis

Background After a long civil war that destroyed much of the country's health infrastructure, Angola faced the challenge of reconstruction while fighting HIV/AIDS. This paper analyses recent progress in access and use of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services in Angola. Methods National level PMTCT data between 2005 and 2012 were analysed. Data were collected from national and international databases and reports. This study assesses progress made, developed best-fit regression models and predicted future points for four major PMTCT indicators. Results Between 2005 and 2012, the number of PMTCTsites increased from 9 to 347, and the number of HIV tests preformed to pregnant women increased from 12 061 to 314 805. However, in 2012, 46% of the pregnant women who tested positive for HIV at PMTCTsites and only 36% HIV exposed infants were receiving antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis. Based on current trends, this study predicts that by 2015, 35.5% of pregnant women will be tested for HIV, 1.1% of women will test positive for HIV at PMTCTand 46% of HIV-positive pregnant women will receive antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions Despite expansion of PMTCTservices, urgent action is needed to rapidly scale-up HIV prevention and treatment services for HIV-positive pregnant women and for children.