FHI - ASHA Project Rolls Out Early Infant Diagnosis Initiative

JUNE 2009 — For the first time in Nepal, HIV-exposed babies between six weeks and 18 months old can be accurately tested for HIV infection. In January 2009, early infant diagnosis (EID) service was initiated by the FHI-led ASHA Project, funded by USAID. HIV-infected babies will now be able to access lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other treatments, greatly increasing their chances of survival.

All babies under nine months of age are offered HIV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Babies over nine months are initially offered HIV testing using rapid test kits, and those testing positive have blood samples sent for PCR testing. Until DNA PCR testing is rolled out nationwide, blood samples are being prepared using the dried blood spot collection technique and sent to the FHI Asia/Pacific Regional Office laboratory in Bangkok for PCR testing.

The ASHA Project's three implementing partners began providing EID services with the first samples sent for PCR testing. To increase coverage, the partners have organized mobile EID clinics at Seti Zonal Hospital's ART site.

The clinics offer specialized voluntary counseling and testing that includes extensive counseling on infant diagnosis, the HIV window period and breastfeeding, care of HIV-exposed babies, cotrimoxazole preventative therapy, immunization counseling, and ongoing infant feeding counseling. All HIV-exposed babies are offered essential package of care (EPC) services, and those found to be HIV-infected are referred to the closest ART site for evaluation after enrollment in EPC services.

PHOTO: istockphoto.com