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HST provides free electronic access to over 500 health systems research related reports, publications and papers. Close to 300 of these are publications that have been commissioned and funded by the Trust. Topics include among others district systems development, drug supply management, human resource development, informatics, legislation, finance, environmental health, mental health, lessons learnt, nutrition and sexually transmitted diseases / HIV/AIDS. The main publication of the HST is the annual South African Health Review. From 2005 all HST publications will be available in low resolution only. To explore the range of publications HST offers use the Advanced search to search using a variety of criteria.

Twentytwo counsellors were observed. The general quality of communication skills was very good, and 73% of HIV-negative mothers were informed of the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). However, only one of 34 HIV-positive mothers was informed about the possible side effects of nevirapine, and none was told what to do when it occurred. Only two HIV-positive mothers were asked about essential conditions for safe formula feeding before a decision about an infant feeding option was made. None of the 12 mothers choosing to breastfeed was shown how to position the baby correctly on the breast or asked whether they thought EBF was feasible. Fewer than a quarter of mothers expressed confidence in performing the actions required, and 85% could not define the term EBF.

Conclusion: The poor quality of counselling in the PMTCT programme will reduce the effectiveness of these programmes. As they are being scaled up, there needs to be far more attention paid towards the counselling of mothers, especially with regards to optimal infant feeding.