MPhil study projects

Perceptions of pregnant women on elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Morija town of Maseru in Lesotho

Student: Makhala Nts’asa Moabi

Country: Lesotho

The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programme was first launched in 2003 in Lesotho, and it was later named the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) in 2014. eMTCT serves as an entry point for the elimination of new HIV infections and continuous follow-up and care for HIV-positive women, their children and families. The Ministry of Health in Lesotho has made some MTCT reduction efforts by ensuring free antenatal care and integrated services and adopting guidelines for eMTCT. Despite these efforts, children still contract HIV during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

This study aimed to assess the perceptions of pregnant women on eMTCT of HIV in Lesotho. It employed a descriptive, explorative and contextual qualitative design.

Pregnant women’s perceptions are diverse as the following themes emerged: understanding of eMTCT of HIV, barriers to the uptake of eMTCT services, benefits of eMTCT services and recommendations for improvement. The study found that eMTCT services are generally accepted at Scott Hospital and the identified barriers need to be addressed. This requires a multidisciplinary team. This study is unique as women explained that continuous health education sessions during antenatal examination are crucial in reinforcing information related to eMTCT. The study recommends multiple sessions of HIV counselling and continuous health education during antenatal examination to reinforce information.

December 2024

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