The programme operates in 14 of the 18 diocesan dispensaries in Dar es Salaam and applies the PMTCT protocol approved by the Tanzanian government. VCT services are offered during antenatal visits in the dispensaries with testing provided by PASADA.  Niverapine is given orally, at the onset of labour, to those pregnant women testing HIV+ and who are willing to participate in the program. Niverapine syrup is given to the newborn within 72 hours of birth. Follow-up health care for these babies is provided at the dispensaries.  The babies are tested for HIV at 18 months.
The goal of the program  is to contribute to the reduction of HIV incidence among infants born to HIV positive mothers. The main strategies are: offering VCT to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the dispensaries; educating those women testing HIV+ as to the necessity of delivering in specific maternity units where Nevirapine can be administered to the mother and her newborn; promoting the involvement of the women’s partners in the whole PMTCT process;  maintaining contact with the mothers until their children can be tested at the age of 18 months.

The service also offers:

• Seminars at MCH clinics and in communities aimed at sensitisation on prevention, VCT and PMTCT. These are supported by drama performances that strengthen the messages transmitted.
• Social support to the poorer lactating mothers (food assistance).
• Counselling for couples on HIV and AIDS, discordant status, PMTCT and care and treatment.
• Involvement of men in the program: any male partner of our clients on PMTCT will be given priority for starting ART.