The Power Engagement in Health Service Integration for HIV Prevention in Ghana

Background: Family planning services had been part of the Reproductive Health Care Services in Ghana since the colonial days. With the first case of AIDS reported in 1986 in this country HIV services became part of the health care delivery services. This paper is about how integration of family planning and HIV services had improved the reproductive health Care services in two years (2009-2010) in the Central Region of Ghana. Materials and Methods: Four counselors acquired knowledge in task shifting and integration at the national level and to transfer it to their colleagues at the district level. After the training, they organized training workshops for Midwives and Community Health Nurses and other Antenatal Clinic Service providers in rapid testing techniques for HIV. The HIV testing sites was increased from 68 to 122. Outreach strategy was instituted throughout the region. Weekly campaigns on ´Know Your HIV Status´ initiatives which were free of charge were instituted in all the communities. Collaboration was established with major stakeholders to support the initiative. A little budget to support the organization of the campaign and feedback to stakeholders was provided by the National AIDS Control Program. Results: Even though 41,697pregnant women were tested and counseled for HIV in 2008, and as many as 561 partners were tested after their wives (pregnant women) had been found to be HIV positives; 56,362 pregnant women (26% increase) were provided with HIV testing and counseling services in 2010, with 771 partners (37% increase) also tested. Conclusion: Varying and diversifying health care delivery strategies for improved access in HIV testing, especially for pregnant women in remote areas has colours of program effectiveness and efficiency , good governance and public good.