Interruptions in payments for lay counsellors affects HIV testing at antenatal clinics in Johannesburg

Vivian Black; Courtenay Sprague; Matthew F Chersich

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.4453

Original articles

Interruptions in payments for lay counsellors affects HIV testing at antenatal clinics in Johannesburg

Vivian Black, Courtenay Sprague, Matthew F Chersich

Abstract

HIV testing uptake at 3 antenatal clinics in Johannesburg was 53% (1 333/2 502) during 4 months when lay counsellors were unpaid, which was lower than the 7 months when payment was provided (79%; 3 705/4 722; p<0.001), and a subsequent 12-month period (86.3%, 11 877/13 767; p<0.001) when counsellors were paid. Consistent remuneration of lay counsellors could markedly improve services for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Authors' affiliations

Vivian Black, Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit.

Courtenay Sprague, Graduate School of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Matthew F Chersich, Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand. International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Gent