Strategies to prevent HIV infections among women in the Ditsobotla Municipality of the North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

The status of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among women in South Africa is worrisome. Imbalances in power relations between men and women subject women to perpetual vulnerability to HIV infection whilst effective preventative interventions are lacking. Whilst antiretrovirals (ARVs) are successful in treating HIV, they are not vaccines. This study sought to identify new strategies that can be employed to prevent HIV infections among women in the Ditsobotla Municipality, North West (NW) Province, South Africa. This study applied the narrative research design. The study population comprised Health officials, Social Development officials, councillors, CBO representatives and Police officials residing in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The researcher used a purposive sampling method to identify key informants from the population sample. A sample of 22 participants contributed to the study. Semi-structured interviews were employed to collect primary data from key informants using the ZOoom virtual platform. The study employed content analysis, which involved coding and arranging the data into chunks of information and categories. Setswana and English languages were used in this study. The results showed five main factors fuelling the spread of HIV: violence against women, inconsistent use of condoms and other prevention methods, abuse of alcohol and drug substances, multiple sex partners, and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Whilst there are existing HIV prevention interventions in Ditsobotla, such as condom distribution, small group counselling known as "You Only Live Once" (YOLO), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), their coverage remains sub-optimal, putting women at risk of HIV infection. The study recommends creating an enabling environment for comprehensive HIV services for women: enhancing the implementation of combination prevention interventions and an integrated HIV services approach, including PrEP, condom promotion and male involvement; optimising education for young girls; harnessing empowerment of women as the cornerstone to changing the HIV epidemic; leveraging telehealth as the digital information and communication technological solutions; leveraging the availability of an integrated M&E framework.