Human Resource Challenges to Integrating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) into the Public Health System in Kenya: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Extensive planning will be necessary to integrate HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into public health systems. In Bondo and Kisumu, Kenya, we conducted interviews with 16 district and provincial public health stakeholders and held consultations with 18 provincial and 23 national public health stakeholders on topics related to PrEP rollout. We coded interview transcripts and created memos summarizing responses. We documented consultation discussions through note taking. Human resource challenges identified included increased workload and insufficient personnel, the need for task shifting/sharing, training needs, infrastructural requirements, discrimination and stigma by staff towards at-risk clients, and providers’ personal priorities about offering PrEP. These challenges paralleled current challenges related to integration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and could be partially addressed prior to PrEP rollout. The recommendations for training staff are likewise grounded in lessons from ART and have practical application for program planners developing training curricula for PrEP delivery. 

Keywords: Human resources; pre-exposure prophylaxis; PrEP integration