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. 2024 Feb 20:6:1249750.
doi: 10.3389/frph.2024.1249750. eCollection 2024.

Key programmatic and policy considerations for introducing multipurpose prevention (MPT) methods: reflections from healthcare providers and key stakeholders in South Africa

Alison Kutywayo  1 , Paballo Mataboge  1 , Nqaba Mthimkhulu  1 , Catherine E Martin  1 , Lorrein S Muhwava  1 , Mbali Mazibuko  1 , Nthabiseng Makalela  1 , Khanyiswa Kwatsha  1 , Vusile Butler  1 , Saiqa Mullick  1
Affiliations

Key programmatic and policy considerations for introducing multipurpose prevention (MPT) methods: reflections from healthcare providers and key stakeholders in South Africa

Alison Kutywayo et al. Front Reprod Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and/or unintended pregnancy. Key gatekeepers, [healthcare providers (HCPs) and key stakeholders] require proactive engagement before product implementation. This manuscript identifies HCP demand creation strategies, key stakeholder considerations for the adoption of MPTs in South Africa.

Methods: Formative research was conducted in three districts in three South African provinces (July to November 2022). Nurses initiating oral PrEP at facility and mobile study sites participated in 4-hour participatory workshops, exploring HIV prevention, including MPTs, demand creation strategies, and preferred MPTs training packages. Activities were observed, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Five online in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Key informants (KIs) (National/district programme implementers and technical leads) and one in person, exploring key programmatic and policy considerations for MPT adoption. IDIs were approximately 40 min long, audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.

Results: Twenty-one Professional Nurses completed workshops: 19 female. Six IDIs were conducted with 4 Facility Managers, 1 NDoH representative and 1 DoH Provincial Deputy Director. All participants were females, aged 30-60+ years with >10 years' in SRH/HIV policy/advocacy/research. Community conversations and information at the clinic were the best MPT demand creation methods among HCPs. KIs identified five considerations for future MPT implementation: HCP training; demand creation and messaging; existing PrEP policy amendments; preparing users for additional choice; and sustaining MPT provision.

Conclusion: Contraceptive implant and oral PrEP implementation lessons learned should be proactively considered when preparing for MPT introduction. HCP training and demand creation are of particular importance before MPT introduction.

Keywords: MPTs; South Africa; healthcare providers; multipurpose prevention methods; multipurpose prevention technologies; policy considerations; programmatic considerations.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Healthcare provider voting ballot.
Figure 2
Figure 2
An example of izikhokho zegame (skills & knowledge) activity in action, a participants ideal training package.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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