The objective of this study was to evaluate of the execution of actions for the control of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Descriptive, exploratory and evaluative, the research was conducted in 2004 with eight health professionals at a maternity ward in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. For the collection and discussion of the data, a structured observation script was used, with the recommendations of the Brazilian Health Ministry guiding the data analysis and discussion of their results concerning care for HIV-carrying puerperae. It was observed that the professionals failed to perform inhibition of breast-feeding, give counseling and guidelines about the preparation of infant formula in addition to other foods, or follow-up visits for their newborns, the puerperal visit, and adhesion with treatment. The results obtained will be able to guide the planning of interventions aimed at improving the quality of the care given. It was concluded that investigating health services produces information about the functioning of their services and collaborates to directing health care policies.
Evaluation; Program evaluation; Health care quality assurance; Women's health; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
