Sharing Knowledge Increases Health-Seeking Behavior
Preventing HIV Transmission
A family in a CHAMPS community sought help from traditional healers and nearby medical clinics for their six-month old child who had not been gaining weight. They were unable to determine what was wrong; sadly, she died at home. CHAMPS testing found that the child had HIV and, because of that, was severely malnourished and had bacterial and viral lung infections. A test for HIV early in the mother’s pregnancy was negative, and she had not been tested since. After hearing the investigation results, the mother was tested for HIV and sought treatment. She is now taking medication that will prevent transmission of HIV in future pregnancies.
Improving Enrollment
The Kenya team found that use of a mobile van improved consent rates and timely enrollment of child deaths, including deaths that occur at home or on the way to a health facility. The team travels to communities or nearby health centers where deaths occur. The mobile unit makes the process of CHAMPS enrollment and specimen collection easier for families seeking answers about their child’s death.