The USAID Community PMTCT Project

This USAID-funded initiative aims to capitalize on investments in maternal and child health (MCH) and HIV/AIDS services to increase the number of women in Ethiopia using these services, as well as the number of HIV + clients in the community who are monitored and cared for by community health workers. Launched in 2009, this project builds on IntraHealth’s extensive experience in Ethiopian health care development to:

  • Build the capacity of regional heath bureaus, zonal and woreda (similar to districts) health offices and community-based organizations, to support and manage community-based prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT).
  • Increase access to MCH/PMTCT services through providing facility and community services
  • Improve two-way coordination and referrals among PMTCT/MCH service providers at the community, health post, health center and hospital level.
  • Increase demand for MCH/PMTCT services through community outreach.
  • Improve the quality of community and facility-based MCH/PMTCT services.

This project will encourage locally owned and managed health care interventions, as well as using locally generated evidence to design and implement specific interventions. By building on Ethiopia’s existing health care infrastructure and supporting Ethiopian input in program development and implementation—while ensuring best practices are followed—the project aims to establish sustainable PMTCT services. The project will also address gender issues related to HIV stigma, discrimination, and women’s ability to make health care decisions.

Project partners include Pathfinder International, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, and International Orthodox Christian Charities, as well as the Government of Ethiopia and Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office, Regional Health Bureaus, Zonal and Woreda Health Offices, health centers and health care providers, and local organizations and communities.

Contact:
Patricia McLaughlin, Project Director
(+251) 116.622.180/1/2/3
IntraHealth International, Ethiopia Office
P.O. Box 9658
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia