Positive Impact of State Aids Control Society in Prevention of Parent to Child Transmisson in Bihar, India

Bihar is a state in eastern India. It is 3^rd   largest state by population of nearly 10 crores. Estimates  suggests that out of  an expected pregnancy of 30 lacs per year, nearly, 3644 HIV positive Pregnancies are expected each year. And out of that nearly 30% transmission of HIV virus from positive pregnant females,1099 infants are likely to be infected with HIV virus.                                                                                                             

Bihar State Health Society was launched in 2005 with an objective to improve the Quality of HIV Care . Prevention of Parent To Child Services before Society formation had no impact, which was virtually non-existent. There were very few PPTCT centers, with  very low detection of HIV positive pregnant females. There was no provision of cd4 test, nor availability of Nevirapine drug. With implementation of   Society, in which the members had the opportunity to take independent decisions ,played an important role in strengthening the following, namely, --Human Resources, Infrastructure, provision of HIV test kits, ART drugs, Training and high fund allocation for expanding PPTCT services.   From  12 centers , it increased to 213 PPTCT centers. The centers were provided with HIV testing kits, safe Delivery Kits and Nevirapine drug.

But the biggest met was bringing the HIV positive females for institutional Delivery, where it could be assured that the Positive Pregnant females and the newborn were given Neirapine to reduce the chances of HIV transmission of HIV virus. The coverage of Nevirapine  increased 12% to 68%. The CD4 test went up to   66% from a dismal figure.  The  positive impact came through Trainings to Doctors and   Para Medical personnel regarding conducting delivery of  HIV  positive pregnant females. The refusal cases regarding delivery of HIV  positive pregnant females is  going   down.

 Society with flexible and  open  approach has resulted in vastly  improved PPTCT services in Bihar .