Evaluation of challenges and perceived effectiveness of early infant diagnosis of HIV services among healthcare providers in Kpando Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background Early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV is an important public health intervention for the early identification of HIV infection among exposed infants and timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although EID services are implemented in Ghana, service delivery challenges may affect timely testing, result communication, follow-up, and linkage to care. This study assessed healthcare workers’ and caregivers’ perceptions and experiences regarding the functioning and challenges of EID services in the Kpando Municipality. Methods A cross-sectional study design with a quantitative approach was adopted. Data were collected from 120 healthcare workers who were purposively and conveniently selected. Analysis were conducted using Stata version 17, with results presented using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, graphs and percentages. Results The study revealed that more than half of the respondents (53.3%) reported that HIV-exposed infants were not routinely tested, while 61.7% indicated inadequate resources to support EID services. Laboratory facilities were found to be insufficient by 69.2% of respondents, and 76.7% reported a lack of regular maintenance and technical support for EID equipment. Delays were also identified, with 20% of facilities receiving PCR results after 5 weeks or more. Furthermore, 36.7% of respondents stated that test results were inconsistently communicated to caregivers, and 15% reported delays in ART initiation beyond 1 week after diagnosis. The main barriers to EID services were lack of equipment and delayed results (48.3%) and poor sample transport with long waiting times (42.5%). Inadequate training and workload were also noted (9.2%). Conclusion The EID surveillance system in Kpando Municipality faces challenges such as poor infrastructure, delayed results, weak communication, and inconsistent follow-up, leading to late diagnosis and treatment of HIV in infants. The study recommends that the Ghana Health Service strengthen infrastructure, train staff, improve sample transportation, and address stigma through community education to enhance system performance.