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Research Article Open Access
Volume 1 | Issue 2 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.33696/AIDS.1.007

Health Workers’ Perspectives on the Outcomes, Enablers, and Barriers to the Implementation of HIV “Test and Treat” Guidelines in Abuja, Nigeria

  • 1Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centre for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
  • 2Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
  • 3Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centre for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, USA
  • 4National AIDS & STIs Control Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

Solomon Odafe, wsp7@cdc.gov

Received Date: September 27, 2019

Accepted Date: October 07, 2019

Abstract

We evaluated health workers’ perspectives on the implementation of the 2016 HIV “Test and Treat” guidelines in Nigeria. Using semi-structured interviews, qualitative data was collected from twenty health workers meeting inclusion criteria in six study sites. Data exploration was conducted using thematic content analysis. Participants perceived that the “Test and Treat” guidelines improved care for PLHIV, though they also perceived possible congested clinics. Perceived key factors enabling guidelines use were perceived patient benefits, availability of policy document and trainings. Perceived key barriers to guidelines use were poverty among patients, inadequate human resources and stock-outs of HIV testing kits. Further improvements in uptake of guidelines could be achieved by effecting an efficient supply chain system for HIV testing kits, and improved guidelines distribution and capacity building prior to implementation. Additionally, implementing differentiated approaches that decongest clinics, and programs that economically empower patients, could improve guidelines use, as Nigeria scales “Test and Treat” nationwide.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, Treat All, Test and Treat, Guidelines, Health workers’ perceptions, Barriers and enablers

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