Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services, including viral load testing among pregnant women living with HIV significantly improved thanks to the Joint Team’s financial and technical support in 2022. This included the 16 526 dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests donated to 17 Local System of Integrated Assistance in Health (SILAIS) in priority territories; 342 healthcare providers trained on the delivery of PMTCT service; effective monitoring and follow up of people living with HIV, especially pregnant women, children and adolescents living with HIV and HIV-exposed children in 112 clinics nationwide as well as support to sample transportation from the North Caribbean Coast (UNICEF). Additionally, 117 mothers, fathers, children and adolescents living with or affected by HIV improved their knowledge of antiretroviral treatment, adherence and self-esteem through five monthly workshops held at the Hospital La Mascota (UNFPA).

The Government approved standard operating procedures for the delivery of comprehensive health care for adolescents, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health, which are implemented in 54 municipal health units and the comprehensive adolescent care clinic at the Bertha Calderón Roque Hospital. Adolescent forums led by trained adolescent leaders galvanized a total of 1526 adolescent and young people from 18 SILAIS and 20 prioritized municipalities, including rural areas to promote prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, stigma reduction, self-care and positive living. Information materials on the same topics were also distributed during these events to reinforce knowledge (UNFPA).