An assessment of mother-to-child HIV transmission rates in Taraba State
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Background of the Study
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains a critical public health challenge in many parts of sub‐Saharan Africa, including Taraba State. Despite significant advances in the prevention of MTCT through the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and improved maternal healthcare services, transmission rates continue to be unacceptably high in certain regions. In Taraba State, socio-economic constraints, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cultural practices contribute to the persistence of MTCT (Okoro, 2023; Ibrahim & Suleiman, 2024). Over the past few years, targeted interventions have been implemented to reduce transmission during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. However, disparities in healthcare access and adherence to treatment protocols suggest that these interventions may not be uniformly effective.
Research has shown that early and consistent administration of ART to HIV-positive mothers significantly reduces the risk of transmission to the child (Aminu, 2023). Nevertheless, challenges such as late antenatal care registration, poor follow-up, and inadequate counselling persist. In Taraba State, these challenges are further compounded by socio-cultural barriers that influence women’s health-seeking behaviors and their ability to adhere to treatment regimens. Furthermore, the integration of prevention services into routine maternal and child health programs remains inconsistent, leading to gaps in care (Chukwu, 2024).
Recent pilot programs that have emphasized community outreach and education have yielded promising results in some districts of Taraba. These programs have focused on empowering women through knowledge dissemination and facilitating easier access to ART, thereby contributing to reduced transmission rates. However, the sustainability of these initiatives remains uncertain in the face of limited resources and infrastructural challenges. The current study is designed to comprehensively assess the rate of MTCT in Taraba State, evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions, and identify factors that may hinder further progress. By drawing on both quantitative data and qualitative insights from healthcare providers and affected families, this research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of MTCT dynamics in Taraba State and to propose contextually relevant strategies for its reduction.
Statement of the Problem
Despite national efforts to curb mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Taraba State continues to record higher-than-expected MTCT rates. Many HIV-positive mothers do not receive timely or adequate ART during pregnancy and postpartum periods due to factors such as poor access to antenatal care, socio-cultural stigma, and limited health education. These gaps in service delivery have resulted in continued pediatric HIV infections, undermining public health progress (Bello, 2023). Moreover, health facilities often lack the resources necessary to monitor and support HIV-positive mothers effectively. Inadequate follow-up care and insufficient counseling further compound the problem, leading to missed opportunities for intervention.
The challenges are multifactorial. Late initiation of antenatal care, suboptimal ART adherence, and inconsistent integration of prevention protocols into maternal and child health services are prominent issues. Healthcare providers have reported that infrastructural limitations and a shortage of trained personnel hinder the effective implementation of MTCT prevention programs. In addition, cultural beliefs and misinformation about HIV contribute to delayed testing and treatment among pregnant women. These systemic issues are critical barriers that need to be addressed to reduce MTCT rates.
This study seeks to delineate the underlying factors contributing to high MTCT rates in Taraba State and to evaluate the performance of existing prevention strategies. By examining both health system challenges and community-level factors, the research will provide actionable insights that can guide policy reforms and improve the overall effectiveness of MTCT prevention efforts (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the current rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Taraba State.
2. To identify the key factors influencing MTCT, including healthcare system challenges and socio-cultural barriers.
3. To propose strategic interventions to reduce MTCT rates and improve maternal–child health outcomes.
Research Questions
1. What is the current rate of MTCT in Taraba State, and how does it compare to national targets?
2. Which factors (health system-related and socio-cultural) contribute most significantly to MTCT?
3. What interventions can effectively reduce MTCT in the context of Taraba State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Higher rates of delayed antenatal care registration are positively correlated with increased MTCT rates.
2. Inadequate ART adherence among HIV-positive mothers significantly contributes to elevated MTCT.
3. Interventions that combine community outreach with improved clinical follow-up will reduce MTCT rates.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will concentrate on selected health facilities in Taraba State offering maternal and child health services. It will involve quantitative analysis of clinical records and qualitative interviews with mothers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Limitations include potential recall bias from participants, limited geographical coverage, and variations in the quality of record keeping.
Definitions of Terms
• Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT): The spread of HIV from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Medication regimens used to manage HIV infection.
• Antenatal Care: Routine healthcare provided to pregnant women to monitor the progress of pregnancy and detect complications.
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