Gender barriers in pmtct services delivery: a case study of Mission hospitals in Tharaka district.

Abstract

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been increasing year by year throughout the world but more so in Kenya. The spread of the disease has caused a negative impact particularly among women and children. The study was designed to highlight gender barriers in the implementation of PMTCT programs within faith based setting. This study adopted both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The study scope was specifically on Northern part of the Eastern province which has 8 districts, each of which has about six to eight health clinics and centers. The population is quite heterogeneous and an attempt was made to capture the differences by using a method that ensured equal representation. With the help of the office of the District AIDS coordinator (DASCO) in- Meru the researcher obtained a list of all the mission health centers providing PMTCT services in the province. The findings of this study pointed out that most of the respondents, both couples and the pregnant women feared experiencing loss family support and the stigma associated with HIVIAIDS. To make recommendations on gendes related areas that are essential to PMTCT programming, a majority of the respondents indicateeshat they received PMCT services. Only a minority did not receive PMCT services. From the findings the following conclusions were made. It is evident that the impact of HIVIAids is mostly on women, this is especially so among those at their child bearing age. Lack of comprehensive interventions will further accelerate infection among infants and also HIV re-infection on both women and their partners. Programs must therefore target both men and women in provision PMTCT services. viii Following the recommendations drawn from the study, there is need for community mobilization and awareness activities to ensure everyone has the right information. Involvement of both men and women in PMTCT activities are also imperative. These interventions will help save more infants from acquiring HIV and also ensure provision of comprehensive services to families. .f, -. ix