FHI - Women Create Opportunities for Male Involvement in PMTCT

FEBRUARY 2009 — In Mombasa's Likoni Health Center, Women Fighting Aids in Kenya (WOFAK), a PLHIV organization, has creatively reached out to men and increased their involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) activities funded by USAID through APHIA II.

This is a significant accomplishment because men do not typically participate in such activities in this part of Kenya. The WOFAK staff speak with the mothers about HIV, the importance of knowing one's status, and living positively with the virus. They counsel HIV-positive pregnant women one-on-one, stressing the importance of having their partners tested and becoming involved in the care. Clients whose partners accompany them on subsequent visits need not wait in line.

Apart from escorting the HIV-positive clients to ensure they are registered in the pre-ART register and linking them to support groups, WOFAK staff also conduct home visits to talk to the male partners of clients who consent to be visited. Because of these innovations, loss to follow-up among HIV-diagnosed mothers has significantly decreased, and the ability to identify and counsel HIV-discordant couples (those whose HIV status differs) has improved. Now, about 6–10 of the partners of the approximately 15–20 HIV-positive women in antenatal care accompany the women each month, compared to none two years ago.

Related Story: Beyond PMTCT in Kenya

PHOTO: A young couple attends an antenatal clinic. (FHI/Kenya)