Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability and Effects Of HIV Birth Testing In Maternity Settings In Zimbabwe

This study aims to assess the feasibility and, acceptability and effects of implementing HIV testing at birth testing using point-of-care (POC) HIV nucleic acid testing (NAT) in maternity settings.

This Unitaid-funded study aims to assess the feasibility and, acceptability and effects of implementing HIV testing at birth testing using point-of-care (POC) HIV nucleic acid testing (NAT) in maternity settings. Outcomes measures will include age at uptake of testing, turnaround time from testing to caregiver result receipt, HIV positivity rate, and timing of ART initiation for HIV-positive infants. This study will compare outcomes between HIV-exposed at high vs low risk of maternal HIV transmission. The study will also assess the impact of POC birth testing on retention in care and impact on subsequent testing at 6 weeks.