The HIV epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic: A double tragedy for sub-Saharan African women
After four decades of the HIV epidemic, women from sub-Saharan Africa remain at a differentially high risk of acquisition. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) statistics show that the majority of HIV infections occur in this population and region. Evidence from previous humanitarian crises demonstrated adverse maternal consequences as a result […]
Trends in maternal health facilities utilization and women’s autonomy in Nigeria (2013-2018): Attainment of sustainable development goals-5
Maternal health has emerged as a global priority because of a significant gap in the status of the mother’s wellbeing between the developed and the less developed countries. Women’s equality and empowerment are one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at ending and eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls […]
Population attributable fractions for late postnatal mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in sub-Saharan Africa
Objectives: Assess population attributable fractions (PAFs) for late postnatal transmission (LPT) of HIV-1 in a cohort of HIV-1-exposed infants. Methods: We used data established from a risk factor analysis of LPT (negative HIV-1 results through the 4-6 week visit, but positive assays thereafter through the 12-month visit) from a perinatal clinical trial conducted in 3 […]
Maternal near miss and mortality in a rural referral hospital in northern Tanzania: A cross-sectional study
Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa remains high despite global efforts to reduce it. In order to lower maternal morbidity and mortality in the immediate term, reduction of delay in the provision of quality obstetric care is of prime importance. The aim of this study is to assess the occurrence of severe maternal […]
Point-of-care CD4 testing to inform selection of antiretroviral medications in South African antenatal clinics: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Background Many prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs currently prioritize antiretroviral therapy (ART) for women with advanced HIV. Point-of-care (POC) CD4 assays may expedite the selection of three-drug ART instead of zidovudine, but are costlier than traditional laboratory assays. Methods We used validated models of HIV infection to simulate pregnant, HIV-infected women (mean age […]
Predictors of skilled birth attendance among married women in Cameroon: further analysis of 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey
Background: In Cameroon, maternal deaths remain high. The high maternal deaths in the country have been attributed to the low utilization of maternal healthcare services, including skilled birth attendance. This study examined the predictors of skilled birth services utilization among married women in Cameroon. Methods: Data from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey was analyzed […]
Rural–urban differences in the use of postnatal care services Malawi
Background: In Malawi, women’s postpartum care services often remain underutilized despite the efforts of the government to promote the use of maternal healthcare. Consequently, maternal mortality and morbidity are persistently high. Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the factors associated with women’s use of postpartum care services in urban areas as compared […]
Food insecurity is a barrier to prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission services in Zimbabwe: A cross-sectional study
Background: Food insecurity (FI) is the lack of physical, social, and economic access to sufficient food for dietary needs and food preferences. We examined the association between FI and women’s uptake of services to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) in Zimbabwe. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data collected in 2012 from women living in five of […]
Accuracy of HBeAg to identify pregnant women at risk of transmitting hepatitis B virus to their neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) involves neonatal immunoprophylaxis, with a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin, and provision of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis in highly viraemic women. However, access to assays to quantify HBV DNA levels remains inadequate in resource-poor settings. This study was commissioned by WHO […]
Association between health insurance enrolment and maternal health care service utilization among women in Ethiopia
Background: Health insurance was considered as the third global health transition which can increase access to health care services by eliminating monetary obstacles to maternal health care use, particularly in emerging nations. Hence, this study aimed to assess the association between health insurance enrolment and maternal health care service utilization among women in Ethiopia. Methods: […]
