Health Policy Project

The Health Policy Project ended in 2016. Work continued under Health Policy Plus (HP+) until 2022.

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Stigma and Discrimination: Key Barriers to Achieving Global Goals for Maternal Health and Elimination of New Child HIV Infections
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Author(s): Janet Turan

Primary Language: English

Date: 7/24/2012

Abstract:

Maternal deaths and infant HIV infections continue despite improved regimens for maternal health and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and increases in PMTCT services. Service uptake and retention drop off significantly at each step in the PMTCT cascade. Key social factors limiting the successful completion of the cascade are stigma and discrimination. The Health Policy Project conducted a comprehensive literature review to examine the current evidence on stigma and discrimination and their negative impact on PMTCT, as well as the potential benefits of integrating PMTCT into antenatal care (ANC) and maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services.

Substantial evidence indicates that stigma and discrimination affect (1) initial use of ANC services, (2) uptake of HIV testing during ANC, (3) initial participation in programs for PMTCT and HIV care, (4) use of skilled delivery services, (5) adherence to recommended infant feeding practices, (6) participation in early infant diagnosis, and (7) retention in and adherence to these programs during and after pregnancy.

It will be impossible to reduce HIV-related maternal mortality without lowering the barriers of stigma and discrimination. Integrating maternal health and HIV services may not be enough to overcome social barriers that keep women, partners, and infants from fully accessing health services. Alongside important modifications to make clinical services more effective, convenient, and accessible for pregnant women and families; PMTCT, maternal, neonatal, and child health services must address HIV-related stigma and discrimination.


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Gender    HIV    Maternal Health    People Living With HIV (PLHIV)    Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT)    Report    Stigma and Discrimination    Working Papers    Global  
 
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The Health Policy Project is a five-year cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Agreement No. AID-OAA-A-10-00067, beginning September 30, 2010. The project's HIV-related activities are supported by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). It is implemented by Futures Group, in collaboration with Plan International USA, Avenir Health (previously Futures Institute), Partners in Population and Development, Africa Regional Office (PPD ARO), Population Reference Bureau (PRB), RTI International, and White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood (WRA). The information provided on this Web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the U.S. Government.

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