The powerful dynamics of PMTCT/ART: A Ghanaian experience. Ebenezer Koomson1, Jedidiah Koomson1

Objectives: The level of PMTCT/ART services utilization in the Central region of Ghana had been very poor considering the HIV prevalence survey reports which were above 2% for many years gone. For PMTCT to be effective it... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives:
The level of PMTCT/ART services utilization in the Central region of Ghana had been very poor considering the HIV prevalence survey reports which were above 2% for many years gone. For PMTCT to be effective it needs to be accessible, acceptable and affordable; however research in Africa into accessibility, uptake and acceptability of PMTCT services has been predominately urban based and usually focusing on women who deliver in hospitals. The importance of involving other community members to strengthen both PMTCT/ART uptake and adherence, and to support women emotionally, has been advocated.
Methods:
A decision was taken to increase the number of PMTCT/ART services to the community levels of the health care delivery systems in the Central Region of Ghana, from 2008-2010. Traditional Birth Attendants and community queens were trained on social advocacy for HIV testing and prevention. Quarterly reviews were organized for media practitioners and other health related agencies to mobilize the human resource for health action. These agencies worked vigorously throughout the region during the research period, organizing community durbars, social networking for HIV testing campaigns, encouraging active participation of the HIV positive pregnant women for treatment adherence at every opportunity.
Results:
There was an increasing trend in uptake of HIV testing ARV prophylaxis for pregnant women during the intervention period. The proportion of the total HIV testing coverage 2008, 2009 and 2010 was 24.7%, 25.3% and 50% respectively. The ARV prophylaxis uptake also saw a remarkable improvement. The coverage for 2008, 2009, and 2010 was 30%, 42.6% and 57%
Conclusions:
Creating access to health care services backed by the support of the 'powerful others' and identifiable bodies in a human geographical area is an essential element and a line of hope on the drawing board of disease prevention and patient care initiatives.