Exploring Intervention Frameworks to Improve Utilization of Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission Services in Africa: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Over the past two decades, intervention strategies to improve the use of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) services have been implemented for several reasons. The reasons include elimination of HIV infections during pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, prevention of HIV, prevention of unintended pregnancies, and safer conception. Poor utilization of EMTCT services has been proven to put the child at risk of acquiring HIV, which could have been avoided.

Objective: This study aims to explore and describe interventions to promote the elimination of mother-to-child transmission services among pregnant and nursing mothers in Africa.

Method: A scoping literature review technique was undertaken on research papers published in English that focused on EMTCT, barriers, interventions, and methods to address challenges to EMTCT utilization. These were screened independently and coded.

Results: The analysis comprised 14 out of approximately 9029 literature sources. Intervention strategies to improve EMTCT service utilization, according to the findings, include accessibility and affordability, healthcare worker training, integrating the elimination of mother-to-child transmission into maternal and child health services, community-based interventions, family-centred approaches, and the use of technology.

Conclusions: Interventions that increase women's use of EMTCT services will contribute to the aim of HIV-free generation by reducing new HIV infections in children and saving lives.

Keywords: EMTCT services; nursing mothers; pregnant women; utilization.

Figure 1

Flow diagram for inclusion criteria.