This project aims to reduce the vulnerability of children to both HIV and undernutrition in an integrated manner. The project has an emphasis on strengthening coordination and cooperation between HIV and nutrition programs, focusing on four program areas: (1) infant and young child feeding; (2) postnatal follow-up of HIV-exposed infants in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs; (3) HIV treatment for infants and young children; and (4) treatment of severe acute malnutrition.
Results achieved as of March 2013 include: Approximately 2,900 health workers were trained and training materials, job aids and monitoring tools were reviewed and adapted in the areas of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, pediatric AIDS, infant and young child feeding, and community-based management of acute malnutrition. Between the third and the fourth quarter of 2012, the number of women attending prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy increased from 326 to 665, and the number of people attending couple testing has increased from 1,130 to 1,294. In the project district in Malawi, the number of early infant diagnosis (EID) tests completed increased from 1,063 in 2011 to 1,477 in 2012 and the turnaround time for EID results was reduced from eight to three weeks. In Zimbabwe’s project districts, follow-up of mother and baby pairs improved through the use of mobile phone technology by village health workers. In the project districts in Mozambique, 99% of children enrolled in the acute malnutrition treatment program were tested for HIV in 2012, compared to 38% in 2011. These results have contributed to better integration between HIV and nutrition programs in order to reduce mortality and morbidity among children under the age of five.