Kaj Francoise Malonga, Mukengeshayi Abel Ntambue, Nlandu Roger Ngatu, Karumb Noella Katshiz, Sekela Michelle Mukenge, Tshamba Henri Mundongo, Sifa Muchanga,Etongola Papy Mbelambela, Sakiko Kanbara, Sayumi Nojima, Narufumi Suganuma Lukuke Hendrick Mbutshu
Objective: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries adopt more effective antiretroviral regimens to enhance the effectiveness of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection (PMTCT). The present study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of PMTCT program implemented in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Methods: A cohort study was conducted in which 273 pairs of HIV-infected pregnant women (mean age: 25 ± 5 years) and their newborns participated. They were followed-up at 15 medical settings from September 2004 through December 2009 in Lubumbashi, DRC. PMTCT intervention consisted of oral administration of Nevirapine in intra partum and the association Lamivudine- Zidovudine for 5 days in post-partum to the mothers, whereas the newborns received 0.6 ml of Nevirapine within 72 hours after birth, and then 1.2 ml oral Zidovudine twice a day for 7 days. The effectiveness of the PMTCT was evaluated by considering the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV after delivery.
Findings: Overall maternal HIV prevalence rate was 4.6%. HIV testing in infants at birth was 8.8%. In addition, a 47% increase of CD4+ cell count was noted (280 at baseline and 411 after delivery) in mothers thanks to the antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Conclusion: Results from this study, the first to assess the effectiveness of PMTCT in DRC, showed reduced rates of MTCT at birth when compared to the national rate (15-20%), suggests that the PMTCT program implemented in Lubumbashi might be a useful anti-HIV/AIDS public health intervention in the country.
