The support of nurse managers to midwives in implementing HIV testing and counselling within protocol at an antenatal clinic in the Western Cape

Abstract

Midwives are expected to encourage pregnant women to undertake, continue and adhere to the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) program.It should be a norm that midwives counsel every pregnant woman about the benefits of knowing her HIV status so that she can make informed decisions about being tested as part of prenatal care. The researcher has however become aware of clients visiting clinics that complain that they receive contradicting information from midwives around HIV testing and counselling. On the other hand, midwives have indicated that seniors do not support them in their work situation, to implement the HIV policy.