The TB Recovery Plan in South Africa was developed to address the impact of COVID-19 on TB care. This study interviewed 24 stakeholders, including health officials and community representatives, to assess its implementation. Participants noted that COVID-19 innovations could improve TB policy execution but identified bottlenecks at the provincial level. Recommendations included … [Read more...] about Strengthening accountability for tuberculosis policy implementation in South Africa perspectives from policymakers, civil society, and communities
South Africa
Prevalence and risk of burnout among HIV service providers in South Africa and Zambia: findings from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial
This study looked at how burnout affects health workers involved in HIV testing and treatment in Zambia and South Africa. Using a standard burnout survey, researchers found that burnout was low among health workers, with less than 1% meeting the criteria for burnout. Factors like higher education, longer experience with HIV services, and witnessing stigma towards people with … [Read more...] about Prevalence and risk of burnout among HIV service providers in South Africa and Zambia: findings from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial
Social patterns of loss to follow-up and non-adherence in the Limpopo Province prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes
This study examines the challenges faced by HIV-positive mothers in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Despite increased availability of PMTCT services, many mothers are lost to follow-up (LTFU) or fail to adhere to treatment, leading to new infections. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study found that social factors like family dynamics, fear … [Read more...] about Social patterns of loss to follow-up and non-adherence in the Limpopo Province prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes
Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy
In South Africa, around half a million people live with epilepsy, affecting many families and caregivers. This study examined the knowledge and support healthcare providers offer to these families. Fifteen participants from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces were interviewed, including community health workers, nurse practitioners, and auxiliary nurses. Data analysis identified … [Read more...] about Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy
Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
In South Africa, HIV testing rates among men are lower than for women and fall short of national targets. This study evaluated a strategy where community health workers (CHWs) distributed HIV self-screening (HIVSS) kits and provided follow-up support to men in Johannesburg who hadn't been tested in the past 12 months. Follow-up was either personal support (PS) or automated SMS. … [Read more...] about Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation