Grant: Operating Grant - PA: HIV/AIDS Bridge Funding - Health Services/Pop Hlth Stream

Among the most important elements of HIV care is the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV; however, adherence remains an important barrier. Cell phone text messaging and directly observed (supervised) treatment have been used to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV+ patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is now considerable enthusiasm about using these methods can be an affordable way to improve both adherence and retention to care among women during and following pregnancy. We intend to conduct a factorial randomized controlled trial of two-way text messages and supervised treatment to promote adherence to PMTCT drugs as well as clinic attendance among expectant mothers in Rwanda.