PMTCT is a programme that is offered to all pregnant women who are HIV positive to prevent the virus from passing to the unborn child.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THE SERVICE

 1.     The service is offered to a pregnant woman who is HIV positive

2.     Who agrees to enroll in the programme

3.     Must be Botswana citizen

4.     Have a valid identity card (Omang)

HOW DO I ENROLL IN THE SERVICE

 Step 1

 A pregnant woman registers for Ante-natal care.

 Step 2

Pre- test counseling is offered at the clinic which include HIV testing in which the woman will opt for it. During counseling, if the woman declines supportive counseling is done. If she agrees rapid HIV testing is done and will receive the results within 30 minutes.

 Step 3

If the results are negative the expectant mother is encouraged to repeat the test after 3 months.

 Step 4

But if the results are positive she is encouraged to check CD4 cell count. If the CD4 cell count is >250 a woman is started on Cotrimoxazole immediately to prevent pneumonia and at 28 weeks a woman is started on AZT but when CD4  is <250 the woman is referred to Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC) for further management.

 Step 5

During labour and delivery a woman is given AZT every 3 hours and 1 dose of Niverapine. If the woman was on AZT for more than 4 weeks, Niverapine is not given.

After delivery the baby is given 1 dose of NVP and AZT. On discharge the baby is given AZT for 4 weeks and infant formula for one (1) year. Six weeks after delivery the baby is tested for HIV and given cotrimoxazole which he/ she will stop when the HIV test result is negative. The mother is encouraged to repeat CD4 count and counseled on IPT if she has never received it before pregnancy.

 WHO CAN APPOINT A PROXY

The mother can appoint a caregiver who has an identity card to collect infant formula from a health facility. The caretaker should provide the following:

• An identity card,
• The mother’s identity card

 Where possible bring the child to assess his/ her health.

COSTS INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAMME

 The service is offered for free.   

WHERE CAN I GET THE INFORMATION

Customers applying and or enquiring for this service must contact the offices at (267)621 3440 extension 249 or our toll free line at 0800 600 754