Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV service interruptions amid COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused global disruptions in healthcare service delivery. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) services were also interrupted, threatening the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3. This article describes the PMTCT service interruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tshwane healthcare facilities. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore and describe the experiences of healthcare providers offering PMTCT services during COVID-19 in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 participants, and Colaizzi's data analysis steps were followed in analysing the findings. Results: Participants reported interruptions in PMTCT service delivery during the pandemic. Non-adherence to scheduled visits resulted in patients defaulting or not adhering to treatment regimens, high viral loads and mother­infant pairs' loss to follow-up. Other features of service disruption included late antenatal bookings, low client flow and delays in conducting deoxyribonucleic acid-polymerase chain reaction (DNA-PCR) testing in HIV-exposed babies. In addition, staff shortages occurred because of re-assignments to COVID-19-related activities. Study participants were psychologically affected by the fear of contracting COVID-19 and worked in a frustrating and stressful environment. Conclusion: Improved community-based follow-up services are critical to enhance PMTCT service outcomes and prevent infant HIV infections. Contribution: The findings may influence policymakers in developing strategies to curb HIV infections among mothers and children during pandemics

Approaches for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services during coronavirus disease 2019

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a reduction in access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services globally, yet this programme is critical for reducing paediatric HIV incidence. To minimise the impact of COVID-19 and prevent disruptions to the PMTCT service provision, innovative strategies had to be developed and implemented. Aim: The study aimed to describe the approaches that were developed and utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic in enhancing PMTCT services in Tshwane primary healthcare facilities. Settings: Three primary healthcare facilities that were providing PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic located in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: The study is part of a larger study that focused on the experiences of healthcare workers who were rendering PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was employed to gain insight into the experiences of 16 purposively sampled healthcare workers who were providing PMTCT services during the pandemic in Tshwane district facilities. In-depth individual audio-recorded interviews were conducted with study participants, following a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was performed using an IPA framework. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged: strategies utilised for providing care, community-based initiatives, and support systems to enhance the PMTCT service access. Conclusion: Strengthening community-based initiatives and support systems is important for the enhancement of the PMTCT programme during and beyond the pandemic. Contribution: Community-based initiatives are critical in continuity of PMTCT services, reducing HIV incidence, under-five child morbidity and mortality particularly during emergency situations.