Evaluation of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Services of HIV and AIDS in South Africa

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

Mother-to-child Transmission (MTCT) of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) is main route of HIV infection in children. Each year, there are millions of cases all over the world related to HIV because of the lack of use of proper prevention techniques and inadequate information regarding the HIV and its harmful effects on a person's life. South Africa(SA) is one of the biggest examples of most cases of HIV registered per year.The risk of MTCT or vertical transmission,as it is sometimes called, is estimated to be between 19% and 36% in the country. Therefore, this study aims to make an analysis and establish the impact of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services of HIV/ AIDS in SA.The study also aims at examining the commitments that the national political leaders as well as policy makers in SA were making to enable the valuable groups to access treatment and drugs. The study includes the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS cases and its prevalence in SA and a comparison with other neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Zimbabwe.The literature review in the study include a systematic analysis of relevant and suitable documents from credible academic journals,books,reports from SA's relevant ministries and departments, notably Department of Health,Ministry of Finance as well as the Central Statistical Office.The study will conclude by pointing out major findings and go on to present some suggestive measures and recommendations,which it is hoped will assist in addressing some of the gaps that were identified that would allow the relevant stakeholders to map out strategies that are aimed at eradicating MTCT cases in SA in accodance with the Millennium Developmental Goal(MDG). for child survival that requires countries to reduce child mortality by two-thirds before 2015(UN 2000).

LIST OF ACRONYMS

MTCT Mother to Child Transmission

PMTCT Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission

NGO Non Governmental Organisation

UN United Nations

CEDAWConvention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

WHOWorld Health Organisation

NACANational AIDS Coordinating Agency

NACNational Aids Council

NBSNational Behavioral Strategy

STISexually transmitted infection

ARTAntiretroviral Therapy

MHC Mogwase Health Centre

MDG Millennium Developmental Goal

PCRPolymerase chain reaction

SADCSouth African Development Community

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

LIST OF ACRONYMSV

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Background of the Study1

1.2 Statement of the Problem5

1.3 Justification of the Study6

1.4 The aim of the Study7

1.5 Objectives of the Study7

1.6 Operational Definitions8

1.7 Methodology8

1.8 Overview of the Study10

CHAPTER 2 : HIV POLICIES IN SOUTH AFRICA13

2.1 Policy Making in SA13

2.2. PMTCT Prevention Programmes in South Africa14

2.2.1 Check On Prices And Availability Of Generics18

2.3 Standardized protocol in treatment23

CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW28

3.1. HIV in South ...