Title:
Improving PMTCT implementation in Masaka district, Uganda : drawing from other resource poor settings' experiences
Authors:
Nakachwa, I
Year:
2009
PAGE:
51
Language:
eng
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
disease prevention and control
,
reproductive health
,
communities
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Masaka district (Uganda) has been implementing the PMTCT program for about eight years. Progressive improvement in uptake of counselling and testing services is registered. However, the fraction of HIV positive women and babies remaining in the continuum of care is persistently low. METHODOLOGY: The thesis was an analytical and descriptive study based on review of the available literature from Resource-poor Settings including Uganda, and annual PMTCT reports, and other relevant documents from Masaka district. Drawing from other resource-poor country experiences, the major objective of the study was to identify and propose best practices for implementing PMTCT programme in Masaka District, Uganda. FINDINGS: The main barriers to effective utilisation of PMTCT services that were identified are individual factors: stigma and discrimination, disclosure problems, low male involvement. These are deeply entrenched in the structural factors (gender inequity, poverty and culture), and are reinforced by institutional factors particularly the low staffing levels; which limit the client-provider interaction and thus making it difficult for the clients to overcome some of their challenges. CONCLUSION: Effective PMTCT programme implementation in Masaka will require further health system strengthening but more importantly active participation of the local community through outreach and home based care programmes. However, this can only be successful if there is stakeholders involvement namely Local Administrations, support groups, CBOs etc. As a long term strategy to overcome the structural barriers – which are responsible for the chronicity of the individual factors-, a multisectoral coordination will be important for the community empowerment process.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Uganda
Region:
East Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2009 Nakachwa
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
185341.pdf