Joanne Martin
University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Title: To What Extent Can Task Shifting Reduce the HIV Prevalence in the MSM Population, Malawi
Biography
Biography: Joanne Martin
Abstract
Introduction:
MSM in Malawi have a HIV prevalence (around 20%) that is twice that of the general population (9.2%). Despite research identifying MSM as one of the ‘high-risk’ HIV groups in Malawi, work and research in this area has largely focused of heterosexual and mother-to-child transmission. Task shifting is a process used to expand health care services by moving tasks from highly trained and skilled health personnel to those who are less trained (e.g. community health workers). This has been used in Malawi to expand HIV testing, counselling and treatment however, it had not been targeted at the MSM population thus far.
Methods:
A literature search was carried out using Medline, EMBASE and PubMed. Key search terms were used. The search topics included: the strengths of task shifting and the sexual behaviors, attitudes and challenges faced by MSM in Malawi. Limitation criteria was set to ensure the most appropriate and recent research was reviewed and included in this review.
Results:
The results obtained suggest that task shifting may be used to overcome some of the barriers faced by MSM but it is not clear if task shifting could overcome all of them. Key themes were identified and conclusions were drawn from these themes.
Conclusion or Interpretation:
The results indicate that there may be a role for Task Shifting in reducing the prevalence of HIV in this high-risk group. However, from the results it is unclear to what extent task shifting can do this as the challenges faced are complex.