Abstract
In the majority of developing countries, many challenges hamper the implementation of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child transmission (PMTCT) component of HIV/AIDS programs. We examined several aspects related to the effectiveness of different components of PMTCT in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Male participation in PMTCT activities remains challenging. Innovative and combination of different strategies are urgently needed to increase male involvement. In a randomized trial, voluntary counseling and testing rates of male partners of pregnant women were higher in bars than in antenatal clinics. Quality improvement of antenatal care services by making them more male friendly, and health education campaigns to change beliefs and attitudes of men are absolutely needed. Retention and follow up of mother-infant pairs in PMTCT programs also remains critical and challenging. The coverage of pediatric HIV positive patients in antiretroviral treatment programs in the DRC is very low. Communication skills of health providers need to be improved to provide friendly, good quality services in order to retain mother-child pairs in the program. A lot needs to be done in order to reach the objective: the elimination of pediatric HIV infections. Political will, strong leadership, and a high level of accountability will be critical for success.
Male participation in PMTCT activities remains challenging. Innovative and combination of different strategies are urgently needed to increase male involvement. In a randomized trial, voluntary counseling and testing rates of male partners of pregnant women were higher in bars than in antenatal clinics. Quality improvement of antenatal care services by making them more male friendly, and health education campaigns to change beliefs and attitudes of men are absolutely needed. Retention and follow up of mother-infant pairs in PMTCT programs also remains critical and challenging. The coverage of pediatric HIV positive patients in antiretroviral treatment programs in the DRC is very low. Communication skills of health providers need to be improved to provide friendly, good quality services in order to retain mother-child pairs in the program. A lot needs to be done in order to reach the objective: the elimination of pediatric HIV infections. Political will, strong leadership, and a high level of accountability will be critical for success.
| Original language | English |
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| Place of Publication | Antwerp |
| Publisher | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |