Cornrnuruty Gate Keepers' Awareness and Perception of Prevention of. Motherto- Child Transmission of HIV Services in Ibadan,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Each year, around half a miilion children aged under 15 become infected with HIV and more than 90% are the result of

mother-to-child transrnission. Services to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) are therefore important

entry pomts for HIV / Al[:',; P' evention, treatment and care services for women, their children and families. The study

aimed at identifying level of awareness and knowledge of PMTCT services that can be utilized in improving access. The

methodology consisted of 20 mdividual in-depth interviews spread over Adabeji, Adeoyo/Agbadagbudu,Jakiru/Onipasan

and Eleta communities, in Ibadan among household heads, religious and community based leaders. Key factors identified

were low knowledge of mOLrer to child transmission, lack of knowledge of the PMTCT services, inadequate community

sensitization, inadeguate he ..Itl-care facilities. The success of PMTCT programmes demands a shift towards a more

community-based appro ad. which calls for strong advocacy, enlightenment and community mobilization for improved

awareness and utilization of .?MTCT services. (&vAfrSallti R£prod2007; 11 (1]:67 -75)

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