Experiences faced by caregivers of children living with HIV and Aids in Liberia: The case of Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: HIVand AIDS continue to have a catastrophic impact on both adults and children. In 2017, the World recorded 3 million children and adolescents aged 0-19 years LWHA, of which 1.9 million lived in Eastern and Southern Africa; 780,000 lived in West and Central Africa (prevalence rate was 2.2%, 2017) and 130,000 lived in South Asia, but study focus is on (Liberia- W /Africa) As of 2018, Liberia recorded 3700 children aged 0-14 years LWHA. Greater efforts were made to provide care and support to CLWHA across the world including the provision of pediatric HIV care. E.g. The United against AIDS initiative was targeted in 2010 to provide either ARV treatment or co-trimoxazole or both to 80% of children in need. It was also aimed, to reduce the percentage of young PLWHA by 25% globally. However, only 52% of children aged 0-14 were receiving ARVs therapy across the world, with West and Central, recording only 26% of ART coverage among children aged 0-14 years. Of the 26%, only 18% of CLWHA in Liberia are receiving ARVs treatment.HIV first case in Liberia (1986) .MTMH (381 cases, record of 2021). After reviewing other literature worldwide, with topic under study, the researcher seeks to know the experiences of C/givers of CLWHA in Liberia at the MTMH. Objectives: To explore experiences faced by the caregivers of CLWHA at the MTMH in Liberia. Method: The study applied a phenomenological research design through which the researcher collected qualitative data by interviewing 8 primary C/givers of CLWHA at the MTMH. Population: The researcher used family C/givers of children between 0-14yrs. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Sample size (8) primary C/givers of CLWHA who meet the pre-set criteria. Method of data collection: Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from the primary C/givers of CLWHA. Method of data analysis: The researcher utilized a thematic analysis to analyze the data and also used the dropbox server for data safety. Results of this study show that these people are experiencing multiple challenges in Liberia: Extensive caring responsibilities, etc. Conclusion: Holistic care and attention is needed to address their problems.