Scale up the provision of comprehensive PMTCT services, using the Linked Response approach in Cambodia

Introduction: In Cambodia, the HIV prevalence was 2.4% in 1999 and 1.1% in 2006. Overall access to and uptake of HIV testing and antiretrovirals (ARVs) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV was low and limited for most pregnant women (PW) at that time. The Linked Response (LR) was launched to integrate PMTCT into maternal and child health services.
Methods: A descriptive analysis of routine data collected at LR sites, then of PMTCT program data including all antenatal care (ANC)/ PMTCT sites at national level from 2008 to 2011 was conducted.
Results: The number of operational districts (ODs) where LR was implemented increased from 5 to 71 between 2008-2011. The coverage of HIV testing among PW from 62% to 69% from 2009 to 2011.
Countrywide, the proportion of PW who attended ANC increased from 74% to 97% and the coverage of expected PW tested for HIV at ANC augmented from 25% in 2007 to 86% in 2011. In 2011, 62% of eligible PW received ARV prophylaxis. The proportion of exposed infants (EI) who received ARVs augmented from 27% in 2008 to 62% in 2011.
Discussion: The LR increased HIV testing, ARV uptake and follow up among PW and EI.
Conclusion: The LR contributed to the results of PMTCT. The effectiveness of the LR has been used to expand the provision of comprehensive PMTCT services nationwide.