Briefing Paper

Increasing the Uptake of HIV Testing in Maternal Health in Malawi

“Improving the uptake of HIV testing among women who have an unknown HIV status is essential to reducing the rates of MTCT.
This study highlights a number of key issues that can be addressed through targeted programs and policies. The lack of available resources, ongoing power relations, mothers’ fears of being judged and blamed for being
infected and infecting their children, and their anxiety and stress associated with the disclosure of test results and the diagnosis itself — are all factors that limit women’s access to testing as a gateway to PMTCT care.”