A unique healthcare project in Nairobi, Kenya is using biometric fingerprint technology to help identify and track human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed infants in need of anti-retroviral therapy.
The Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, the oldest hospital in Kenya, is engaging in this ground-breaking pilot program which seeks to record identities of newborn infants at risk of exposure to HIV. More than half of Kenyans infected with HIV don’t know they have it, leading to transmission of the disease to babies in pregnant mothers.
Using Integrated Biometrics’ FBI PIV Certified single-finger Scanner, Columbo, healthcare providers are building a record of an initial baseline evaluation for each child, mother, or caregiver at risk of HIV exposure. After enrolling and verifying subjects in the study, officials will follow-up with them over a period of four months. During each visit, new fingerprints are collected and compared to stored prints for re-identification.
Insights from the study are being used in the planning and design of a full-scale roll-out of a National biometric unique identifier system. This is designed to help provide long-term care for HIV-exposed infant, mother, and caregiver follow-up treatments.
Integrated Biometrics’ Columbo fingerprint sensor provides optimal surface contact and low ridge distortion. Columbo is lightweight and easy to maneuver