title: Barriers to successful implementation of prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes in Malawi and Nigeria: a critical literature review study.
abstract: Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV still remains a significant route of new HIV infection in children in Malawi and Nigeria, despite the introduction of Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes in both countries. A critical literature review, based on the findings from 12 primary research articles, explores the reasons for the inadequacy and failure of PMTCT. Findings show socioeconomic and sociocultural factors as the biggest barriers to the success of PMTCT programmes. Other factors include: limited male involvement, the organization of PMTCT and health workers' inefficiency. In conclusion, PMTCT programmes will remain inefficient unless these factors are addressed. There is an urgent need to strengthen PMTCT programmes by stakeholders through a collaborative strategic effort to ensure high PMTCT programme uptake in Malawi and Nigeria, in order to eliminate HIV/AIDS in children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences,Oxford Brookes University, OX3 0FL, Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: James Christian
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Okoli
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences,Oxford Brookes University, OX3 0FL, Oxford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Gail Elizabeth
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Lansdown
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000821:virology*; D016730:Program Development; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: Africa; HIV/AIDS; Malawi; Nigeria; PMTCT; VCT; antiretroviral drugs; breastfeeding; mother-to-child-transmission