Feasibility of Home-Based HIV Counseling and Testing and Linking to HIV Services among Women Delivering at Home: A Geita District Council Case, Tanzania

J. Adinan, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
C. Amour, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
A. Bridgit, University of North Carolina
A. Shayo, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
P. Kidayi, Killimanjaro Christian University College, Moshi
L. Msuya, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre

Women who deliver at home (WDH) are not captured in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services. This delays HIV infection detection that negatively impacts fight against HIV pandemic. A longitudinal household survey aimed to determine the feasibility of home-based HIV testing (HBHCT) and linking to care for HIV services among WDH in Geita District Council, Tanzania. Results: HIV prevalence was 5.3% of the 981 (98.8%) accepted HBHCT. HBHCT identified 26 (2.7%) new HIV infections; 23 (23.4%) were those tested negative at ANC and the remaining three (0.3%) were those who had no HIV test during the ANC visit. Among 51 HIV+ women, 21(40.4%) were enrolled in PMTCT. The 32 HIV+ participants who delivered at home, eight (25.8%) were enrolled in the PMTCT. Conclusion: HBHCT uptake was high, detecting new HIV infection among WDH as well as seroconversion among women with previously negative HIV tests, extending re-testing to women who breastfeed.