Category Archives: Women
The vaginal microbiome of pregnant people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a pilot study and global meta-analysis
Recent studies reveal that a suboptimal vaginal microbiome (VMB), including the enrichment of anaerobic bacteria associated with multiple female genital disorders, is linked to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes in...
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the MENA region: A systematic review with comparative evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces distinct challenges in addressing the HIV epidemic, including social stigma, limited surveillance data, and insufficient coverage of prevention services. Prevention of...
Factors influencing implementation of point-of-care tests for maternal and newborn screening and diagnosis in low-resource settings: a systematic review
BACKGROUND: Despite the potential of point-of-care (POC) tests to improve maternal and newborn health, implementation in low- and middle-income countries remains inconsistent. POC testing enables rapid, decentralized screening, but barriers...
Inconsistent condom use and its associated factors among female sex workers in African countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Inconsistent condom use represents the most proximal behavioral risk factor for acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus. However, certain situations hinder female sex workers...
Vulnerability and non-adherence to treatment in cisgender women living with HIV/AIDS: A scoping review (2000-2024)
BACKGROUND: Cisgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS due to structural gender inequalities and intersecting social determinants, which generate vulnerability contexts that act as barriers to treatment adherence. METHODS: A...
Knowledge of reproductive-age women about mother-to-child transmission of HIV and associated factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: Despite significant efforts to manage and prevent HIV, knowledge gaps persist regarding mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women of reproductive age. Previous studies, limited in scope and producing inconsistent...
Virologic suppression among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women receiving antiretroviral therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a key global public health priority. In Africa, virologic failure among people living with HIV continues to pose...
Perceptions About the Relationship Between HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and Fecundity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from a Systematic Scoping Review
Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) enable women living with HIV to safely conceive and give birth without vertical transmission. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 6 people experience infertility and...
Obstetric Nurses’ Approach to Evidence-Based Practice in Breastfeeding Within the Context of HIV: A Scoping Review
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Human immunodeficiency virus remains a significant public health challenge, with breastfeeding contributing to the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Although antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces this risk, obstetric nurses face complex...
Gender-responsive and -transformative interventions in HIV, TB and malaria programmes: A review of evidence
Gender-responsive and -transformative interventions are essential for tackling harmful social norms and discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that drive gender inequalities and health inequities especially for women, girls, and gender-diverse...
