Community-based accompaniment (CBA) has been associated with improved antiretroviral therapy (ART) patient outcomes in Rwanda. In contrast, distance has generally been associated with poor outcomes. However, impact of distance on outcomes under the CBA model is unknown. This retrospective cohort study included 537 adults initiated on ART in 2012 in two rural districts in Rwanda. The primary outcomes at 6 months after ART initiation included overall program status, missed a visit and missed three consecutive visits. The associations between cost surface distance (straight-line distance adjusted for surface features) and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression, controlling for potential confounders. Died/lost-to-follow-up and missed three consecutive visits were not associated with distance. Patients within 0-1 km cost surface distance were significantly more likely to miss a visit, potentially due to stigma of attending clinic within one's community. These results suggest that CBA may mediate the impact of long distances on outcomes.

Background and Objectives:Despite recent improvements in accessibility of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, maternal retention in HIV care remains a challenge in the post-partum period. This study assessed service utilization, program retention, and linkage to routine services, as well as clinical outcomes for mothers and infants, following implementation of an integrated mother-infant clinic in rural Rwanda.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all HIV-positive mothers and their infants enrolled in the integrated clinics in two rural districts between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. At 18 months post-partum, data on mother-infant service utilization and program outcomes were reported.Results:Of the 185 mother-infant pairs in the clinics, 98.4% of mothers were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 30.3% used modern contraception at enrollment. At 18 months post-partum, 98.4% of mothers were retained and linked back to adult HIV program. All mothers were on ART and 72.0% on modern contraception. For infants, 93.0% completed follow-up. Two (1.1%) infants tested HIV positive.Conclusion and Global Health Implication:An integrated clinic was successfully implemented in rural Rwanda with high mother retention in care and low mother to child HIV transmission rates. This model of integration of services may contribute to improved mother-infant retention in care during post-partum period and should be considered as one approach to addressing this challenge in similar settings.