CHW &Community &HIV Bill Brieger | 28 Sep 2024 06:38 am
Stakeholders’ Perspectives Of The Roles Of Informal Community-Based Health Worker In Achieving The Global HIV/AIDS Targets In Nigeria By 2030
This study was presented by Stalin Edegba Ewoigbokhan of Emerald Public Health Consulting Services Ltd., Abuja, Nigeria, at the second annual conference and scientific meeting of the Health Promotion and Education Alumni Association, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan on 27 September 2024.
This study investigates the perspectives of community members and key informants on the roles of informal community-based health workers (CBHWs) in achieving the global 95-95-95 HIV/AIDS targets across four Local Government Areas (LGAs): Akpabuyo and Calabar Municipal in Cross River and Essien Udin and Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research focuses on understanding the contributions, challenges, and community perceptions of CBHWs in HIV prevention, treatment, and care, which are crucial for meeting the World Health Organization’s 2030 goals for halting HIV Transmission.
The study involved eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with a mix of male and female participants across the four LGAs, 27 in-depth interviews with key informants, including community leaders, health officials, program managers, and CBHWs. The data was analyzed to identify recurring themes related to the roles and effectiveness of CBHWs in HIV prevention and treatment within the communities.
Community members identified major health issues, such as tuberculosis, HIV, and hypertension. Key drivers of the HIV/AIDS epidemic cited by participants included unprotected sex, sex work, sharing of infected sharp objects, men having sex with men, blood transfusions, and breastfeeding by HIV-positive mothers. CBHWs were acknowledged for their roles in HIV counseling, condom distribution, first aid, and drug administration. However, they face significant challenges, including insufficient supplies, poor funding, and inadequate training. Despite these challenges, both community members and key informants view CBHWs as essential in reducing HIV-related stigma, promoting treatment adherence, and contributing to HIV prevention.
While CBHWs play a critical role in HIV prevention and care, their effectiveness is often limited by systemic issues such as inadequate resources and poor infrastructure. The study recommends enhancing CBHWs’ impact through increased government support, adequate incentives, continuous training, and better integration into the formal health system. These measures are essential for optimizing the contributions of CBHWs toward achieving global HIV/AIDS targets.
Keywords: Community-Based Health Workers (CBHWs),HIV Prevention, 95-95-95 Targets, Challenges in HIV Care