Monitoring Paediatric Trends in a High Prevalence Setting within KwaZulu Natal Ravikanthi Rapiti OVC IN AFRICA 01 Nov 2010

Introduction MatCH provides support to the eThekwini District District population statistics: Total Population = Paediatric population = (0-14 yrs) HIV infected = +/

Processes Monitoring and Evaluation Paper Based Paediatric Indicators DHIS

Methods Paediatric patients: initiated on ARVs No longer on the programme after 90 days January 2007 – June public health facilities Clinical registers & routine monthly statistics

Results Initiations

No Longer on the Programme

Current

Trends

Challenges Children accessing care when they are very sick Clinical staff misunderstanding the national guidelines for initiation Reduce waiting period to initiate Finding an appropriate caregiver Mother’s resistance to testing the child

Addressing the Gaps Training of the guidelines Fast tracking of the counselling sessions Developing innovative ways to train illiterate caregivers Providing basic services and engaging with the mother to test the child for HIV

Conclusion Intensify programmatic efforts Inconsistent enrolment numbers Improve record keeping Address challenges with Task Teams Lack of data of patients aged 0-12 months Evaluate systems

‘Care for us and accept us - we are all human beings. We are normal. We have hands. We have feet. We can walk, we can talk, we have needs just like everyone else - don’t be afraid of us - we are all the same!’ Nkosi Johnson (February 4, June 1, 2001)

Acknowledgements This presentation is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of MatCH (Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.