Barriers to male involvement in uptake of Prevention-of-Motherto-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the burden of HIV/AIDS in the world, with countries like Ethiopia, Congo, Eritrea, and Nigeria constituting the highest percentages of the burden. Women and children are the most affected. Nigeria was reported second on the list of countries with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) which was 3.5 million in 2011 including pregnant women. Despite the fact that the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT) services is provided free in Sub-Saharan Africa, research shows inadequate uptake. This study identifies reasons for low uptake of PMTCT associated with male involvement and provides evidence from the literature on best practices to overcome low male involvement. A literature search was conducted and 22 articles were selected for this review. Findings revealed that if men participated in PMTCT programs and supported their wives, uptake could increase. Important barriers to male involvement identified were fear of stigmatization and the belief that men should not participate in female reproductive health.