Resource Type: Report
Authors: Chris Cintron, Allyson Fernandez Knott, Victor Mudhune
Published: September 2018

Resource Description:

Early infant diagnosis (EID) testing of HIV-exposed infants is an essential step to initiating lifesaving treatment for HIV-positive infants and preventing mother-to-child transmission for HIV-negative infants. Whether infected in utero, at birth, or in the months thereafter via breastfeeding, infants who are promptly diagnosed and started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) can achieve viral suppression of HIV and go on to live full and healthy lives. While the importance of EID testing is known and reflected in national and international commitments like the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, EID programs face several challenges that can limit their effectiveness. This report uses Health Finance and Governance project experiences in Kenya and peer-reviewed literature to identify key EID program challenges and approaches to solving them in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of testing is needed.

This report is intended to benefit health facility and laboratory managers, health system planners and policymakers, and local and international organizations seeking to develop or strengthen EID programs and end the AIDS epidemic.