The baseline evaluation adopted a comprehensive, mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain a deep understaanding of the context and challenges faced by young mothers living with HIV. Key components of the approach included:

• To determine key baseline indicators and benchmark data and to collect general benchmark information about young mothers living with HIV and their children, the demand for and access to PMTCT/HIV treatment and care services, and the indicators formulated for the Bloom project.
• To provide general benchmark information on the current situation regarding existing government policy/guidelines on young mothers, uptake of (informal) health services at community and facility level, retention rates, and PMTCT/paediatric HIV care.
• Understand the facilitators and barriers of young mothers and their children in enrolment for eMTCT, HIV care, support and treatment services in the targeted areas. This includes analyzing PMTCT demand and uptake by young mothers living with HIV and creating an understanding of this process and its barriers.
• Understand the facilitators and barriers faced by young mothers living with HIV and their children in access, utilization and retention in paediatric HIV care in the targeted areas at family, community, and health facility levels. This includes the uptake of informal health services at community and health facility level and the availability of child-friendly services for children living with HIV, the availability of paediatric HIV interventions by government and any other Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).