Through funding from Saving Lives at Birth  Grand Challenges for Development (USAID, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Canada Grand Challenges, UKAID, and the Norwegian Government), International Centre for Reproductive Health -Kenya is conducting a study on the performance of an innovative, instrument-free, low-cost point-of-care CD4 test (Visitect® CD4) among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women in Kenya and South Africa.

The study assesses the validity of Visitect® CD4 compared to laboratory-based flow cytometry (the gold standard), through a diagnostic accuracy study using venous blood specimens from HIV-infected women attending Coast Provincial General Hospital, Likoni, Bomu, Mtwapa Health Centre, and Port Reitz.

Impact

• Provided critical evidence on the accuracy of Visitect® CD4 as a low-cost, point-of-care alternative.
• Demonstrated feasibility of using Visitect® CD4 among HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women.
• Strengthened options for decentralized HIV care and treatment monitoring.
• Supported the potential integration of Visitect® CD4 into maternal health and HIV programs.