MSc Global Health 2007-2008

Country: Ethiopia
Background: Public Health
Research Project: Effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV service in Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of PMTCT services by examining knowledge and behaviour of pregnant women towards PMTCT.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, institution-based survey was conducted in purposively selected settings on a randomly selected sample of 113 pregnant women in Arba Minch. Qualitative and quantitative data was obtained.  

RESULTS: Of 113 respondents, 89.4% were from Arba Minch; 43.4% are 25 years of age and above; 73.4% have attended formal education of primary level and above; 100% reported acceptance of VCT; 92.0% were knowledgeable about MTCT, 90.3% were aware of the availability of the PMTCT service in the health facility. Of the total 74 HIV positive women in PMTCT, only 3(4.1%) have had skilled birth attendants. There was unreasonable loss of women from PMTCT. Maternal educational level has a statistical association with income (p=.000) and the importance of VCT for pregnant women (p= .021). Factors that determine use of PMTCT include: culture, socio-economic status and fear of stigma and discrimination.

CONCLUSION: In the studied area, PMTCT is failing to reach its goal. This is an alarming discovery requiring quick reconsideration and strengthening of preventive strategies at all levels.

Key words: Effectiveness, PMTCT, Pregnant women, HIV, Ethiopia.

Country: Ireland
Background: BA Psychology
Research Project: A cross sectional analysis of healthcare seeking behaviour by community caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other causes across 5 developing countries.

Country: USA
Background: BA Political Science
Research Project: Medicines procurement in Africa. Case of Sengal

Many developing countries struggle to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines that are efficacious and of good quality, financially accessible and well
prescribed. The Medicines Policy and Supply Management team of the Technical Cooperation for Essential Drugs and Traditional Medicine Department of the WHO has engaged with the Ministries of Health in 10 countries in the WHO AFRO Region to assess national medicines supply systems. While in line with previous research evaluating procurement system performance and auditing policy compliance, the study departs slightly from precedent by providing a visual representation of the current supply chain situation in the form of a map, before asking  if and how external influences may be contributing to systemic breakdowns. The purpose of this paper is to present some of the findings for Senegal, and to discuss implications and possible solutions for some of the key problems in the Senegalese medicines procurement and supply system. Results show that hefty procedural and administrative relationships with aid Partners may be hampering the equitable delivery of essential medicines in Senegal, and that reform upholding endorsed international principles for aid effectiveness needs to be seen at the top of Partners’ agendas and in action on the ground.