Extending prevention of mother-to-child transmission through postpartum family planning in Lesotho

Recognizing the need to improve the care and follow up of mothers and infants in the postpartum period the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) with technical support from the Frontiers in Reproductive Health Program (FRONTIERS) of Population Council and funding from PEPFAR/RHAP/USAID carried out an operations research project to strengthen the existing postpartum care services. This study has a specific focus on strengthening linkages with existing PMTCT follow up services and family planning services during the postpartum period by changing the number timing and content of postpartum consultations that a woman and her newborn should receive. The objectives of the study were: 1) to develop and introduce a strengthened postpartum care package with three consultations within 48 hours one week and six weeks; and 2) to document the feasibility and quality of care of the strengthened postpartum care package and its acceptability to providers and postpartum women. The key findings were as follows: Facilities were prepared or needed minimal adjustments to provide the PNC services; Provider knowledge improved; Provider practice improved; Increase in women testing for HIV; Increase in proportion of providers who would recommend LAM and condoms to postpartum women at 48 hours two weeks and 6 weeks; Majority of women said they intended to use FP between 6 weeks and 6 months. (Excerpts)