Exploring the feasibility of engaging Traditional Birth Attendants in a prevention of mother to child HIV transmission program in Lilongwe, Malawi.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the willingness of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to provide single dose antiretroviral prophylaxis to infants born to mothers with HIV and the feasibility of providing the TBAs with antiretroviral medication. DESIGN 2 focus groups with a total of 17 registered TBAs. SETTING Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS TBAs were recruited by local health workers and participated in focus groups assessing their attitudes towards participation in a PMTCT program. RESULTS TBAs were willing to participate in this prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program and helped identify barriers to their participation. CONCLUSIONS Given appropriate support and training, TBAs' participation in PMTCT programs could be an additional way to deliver medication to mothers and neonates who might otherwise miss crucial doses of medication.