Improving utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Nairobi, Kenya
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
Studies done in Nairobi and Kenya as a whole identified challenges in utilization of Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services. This was despite provision of free counselling and testing, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other routine antenatal care (ANC) services in public health facilities, FBOs and most NGOs. There has been high level of awareness on HIV/AIDS in the population but knowledge on prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) has been very low in both males and females. Less than 31% had specific knowledge on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV interventions. Despite Nairobi having the highest number of people with high knowledge and access to information, the HIV prevalence is high at 9.9% with the lowest uptake of infant prophylactic antiretroviral drug (ARVs) at 5%. Late enrolment of pregnant women to Antenatal Care (ANC) was one of the contributing factors towards inefficient intervention in PMTCT in Nairobi. This was more so in the slums where 60% of Nairobi dwellers live. Some of the reasons identified were lack of health facilities in the catchment areas and poor quality of care. There was low number of male involvement and couple counselling in reproductive health and in particular PMTCT. Male involvement was found to be critical to improve support for uptake of HIV testing and PMTCT interventions. Infant feeding has been a challenge to both the health care providers and the mothers who are HIV positive. Health workers lack knowledge and skills in counselling on infant feeding. The mothers find themselves in situations where they are not sure of which method to choose as values and culture surround her decision making. Stigma and discrimination in from health workers and the community was identified Erratic supply of PMTCT drugs and HIV testing kits was identified as well as shortage of staff. Strengthening of the health system through provision of primary health care and capacity building in the health sector and at the community level, procurement of drugs and equipment, enhancing male involvement in reproductive health, addressing the needs of people with special need, integration of family planning services in PMTCT and lessons learned from other countries will help in addressing challenges in utilization of PMTCT services in Nairobi.
Authors:
Kishoyian, J.N.
Country:
Kenya
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
disease prevention and control
,
health services
,
maternal and child health
,
reproductive health
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
viii, 63
Year:
2009
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2009 Kishoyian
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Improving utilization of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Nairobi, Kenya
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)