ART access-related barriers faced by HIV-positive persons linked to care in southern Ghana: a mixed method study.

Background: Timely and enduring access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) by HIV-infected individuals has been shown to substantially reduce HIV transmission risk, HIV-related morbidity and mortality. However, there is evidence that in addition to limited supply of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and linkage to ART in many low-income countries, HIV+ persons often encounter barriers in accessing ART-related services even in contexts where these services are freely available. In Ghana, limited research evidence exists regarding the barriers HIV+ persons already linked to ART face.

Prevention-of-Mother-To-Child-Transmission of HIV Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Analysis of Healthcare Providers and Clients Challenges in Ghana.

Background: Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the correct adaptation and implementation of the global guidelines on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is critical. This study explored the challenges that health workers face implementing WHO's PMTCT guidelines, and the experiences of HIV-positive clients receiving these services.

Methods: We interacted with 14 health professionals, and 16 PMTCT clients through in-depth interviews.

Reproductive rights and options available to women infected with HIV in Ghana: perspectives of service providers from three Ghanaian health facilities.

Background: Owing to improved management of HIV and its associated opportunistic infections, many HIV-positive persons of reproductive age are choosing to exercise their right of parenthood. This study explored the knowledge of health workers from two Ghanaian districts on the reproductive rights and options available to HIV-positive women who wish to conceive.

Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional in design, the study involved the entire population of nurse counselors (32) and medical officers (3) who provide counseling and testing services to clients infected with HIV.

Community perception of malaria and its influence on health-seeking behaviour in rural Ghana: a descriptive study.

Background: Approximately 300 million clinical episodes of malaria occur globally, out of which an estimated 1 million persons die every year. Ninety per cent of these malaria deaths occur in tropical Africa. Despite decades of great effort to control malaria in Ghana, it still remains a serious public health problem affecting all ages.