The realities of HIV prevention. A closer look at facilitators and challenges faced by HIV prevention programmes in Sudan and Yemen

ABSTRACT

Background: HIV/AIDS prevention has historically encountered many obstacles. Understanding the factors affecting HIV/AIDS prevention is central to designing and implementing suitable context-specific interventions. Research relating to HIV prevention in the Middle East and North African region is required to address the gradually increasing HIV epidemic.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of employees/health care professionals who are working or have worked within HIV prevention in Sudan and Yemen on the challenges and facilitating factors facing HIV prevention.

Methods: A qualitative approach was employed using an open-ended questionnaire. Sixteen stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental agencies participated in the study. The questionnaire focused on the various challenges and facilitating factors facing HIV prevention as well as proposed possible solutions from the perspectives of the participants. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The study illustrated the similarities in context and HIV prevention systems between Sudan and Yemen. Thematic analysis resulted in three main themes: I) much is achieved despite difficulties; II) a programme left to be paralysed; this theme addressed the main obstacles facing HIV prevention in Sudan and Yemen generating a total of six sub-themes; III) comprehensive change is needed. The participants drew focus and attention to vital changes required to improve the delivery of HIV prevention services.

Conclusion: Increased financial support for HIV prevention in Sudan and Yemen is urgently needed. De-stigmatisation and increased political support, advocacy and improved legislation for people living with HIV (PLHIV) are required for the sustainability and effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes in Sudan and Yemen. Civil society organisations must be aided and supported in their role in engaging key populations.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• prevention
• Sudan
• Yemen

Responsible Editor Maria Emmelin, Umeå University, Sweden

Responsible Editor Maria Emmelin, Umeå University, Sweden

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the study participants from Sudan and Yemen and appreciate their time and kind cooperation.

Author contributions

All four authors were involved in the conception and design of the study. The questionnaire was developed by the first two authors, FB and MB; however, all four authors were involved in the final revision. The first two authors were responsible for data acquisition; however, all authors were involved in the analysis and interpretation of the data. FB and MB wrote the manuscript, while BS and LK contributed by critically reviewing the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethics and consent

All ethical guidelines were closely followed, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to their participation in the study. The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the 1975 Helsinki Declaration.

Paper context

HIV/AIDS prevention in the MENA region faces many hindering factors. Understanding these obstacles is vital when designing suitable context-specific interventions. However, research on HIV/AIDS within MENA is sparse. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of those who are working of who have worked with HIV prevention programmes in Sudan and Yemen on the difficulties they have encountered in their respective countries. Equipped with this knowledge, interventions may be tailored to the needs of each context to produce more effective outcomes.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study.