209270 Distribution of HIV/AIDS and services in ante-natal clinics in Liberia: Lessons for target-based service planning

Wednesday, November 11, 2009: 9:30 AM

Khalipha, M. Bility, PhD , Health Policy and Management, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Olugbemiga Tanilepada Ekundayo, MD, MPH, DrPH , Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Moses Badio, BSc , Monitoring and Evaluation, National AIDS Control Program, Monrovia, Liberia
Adéníyì "gúndìran, PhD , HIV, WHO Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
James Madiralla, PhD , International Programs, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Purpose

Before 2006 in post war Liberia, HIV/AIDS prevalence estimates were based on specific hospitals or population group data. General population data extrapolation was inadequate in estimating population prevalence for needs determination and service planning. To correct this situation beginning 2006, the first of three annual sentinel surveillance surveys of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) was conducted in rural and urban areas. The 2006, 2007 and 2008 surveys provide data on the burden of HIV. This paper is a trend analysis of three consecutive ANC surveys carried out between 2006 and 2008.

Methods

A total of 4,216, 5,696 and 10,000 from ten, fifteen and twenty sites were sampled 2006, 2007, and 2008 respectively. Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) (UNAIDS/WHO) was used to calculate targets and resource requirements for universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support projected in accordance with global targets of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and United Nations General Assembly Special Session on AIDS (UNGASS). Gaps in service provision were identified and specific strategies recommended to address them at facility, community, county and national levels.

Findings and Conclusion

Countrywide prevalence estimates were 5.7%, 5.4% and 5.5% respectively. Prevalence was higher in urban, metropolitan and southeast regions, and among younger women 15 to 19 years old. Young women having sexual debut with older men were more likely to be infected. Participation in testing and follow-up care were inadequate. More community oriented service provision is being planned. Policy implications for further prevention and care planning are described

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the epidemiological prevalence of HIV in Liberia between 2006 and 2008 2. Describe the EPP analytic process 3. Describe the UNGASS and MDG goals 4. Describe HIV sampling approaches used in Liberia in 2006-2008 5. Describe the distribution of antenatal clinics in Liberia

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Principal Investigator with 10 years experience in HIV/AIDS care and prevention policy and planning
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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