SMS Campaign in Mumbai

A total of 4,223 PLHIV had missed appointments at ART centers in Mumbai during the past year. To check the status of mobile phone numbers in the ART centers’ records, an SMS campaign was undertaken. The SMS message directed the client (PLHIV) to seek treatment assistance by contacting a helpline number. The messages were successfully received by 50% of the mobile numbers and there were a few clients who also called the helpline number, which helped the ART centers update the client’s location and treatment status. Follow up was also conducted through manual calls for the rest of the numbers. This SMS campaign in Mumbai is helpful in tracking the missed appointments to improve retention, lessen the risk of transmission, and reduce mortality and morbidity.