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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Stakeholder perspectives on task shifting to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B: A qualitative exploration of a midwife-led model in Vanuatu
1
Burnet Institute, Pacific Infectious Diseases, Melbourne, Australia
2
Monash University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
3
Burnet Institute, Global Adolescent Health, Melbourne, Australia
4
Burnet Institute, Pacific Infectious Diseases, Port Vila, Vanuatu
5
Ministry of Health, Public Health, Port Vila, Vanuatu
6
Burnet Institute, Global Women's and Newborn's Health, Melbourne, Australia
7
Ministry of Health, Hospitals and Curative Services, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A512
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In Vanuatu, management of hepatitis B is limited to hospital settings whilst antenatal care is decentralised to primary care settings, overseen by nurses and midwives. Scale up of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of hepatitis B requires task shifting of care for hepatitis B during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on task shifting hepatitis B interventions to midwives to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in Vanuatu.
METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews in English or Bislama were conducted with policy makers and key stakeholders involved in hepatitis B care at the national and provincial level. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and then translated with any identifying factors coded. A thematic analysis was undertaken.
RESULTS:
A total of 12 interviews were conducted. Key findings focused on acceptability, feasibility and sustainability. The importance of PMTCT was recognised. The need to improve access and coverage through task shifting was supported. Nurses and midwives are seen to be highly trusted by the community and are already providing antenatal care, which supports acceptability. Supportive policies, guidelines and networks are required to enable nurses and midwives to provide PMTCT, many of which already exist. In order to be sustainable, an enabling environment is needed including resourcing (HR, financing, supplies); formalising task shifting; pathways for communication and referrals; and client awareness and health education.
CONCLUSIONS:
In general, there is support for the expansion of midwife-led interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. However, there is a need for training, capacity strengthening, continuing engagement across all levels, human resourcing, financing, and strengthening of supply chains. Strengthening of these health system-level components will improve PMTCT efforts and broader maternal and child health.
KEY MESSAGE:
Nurse or midwife-led hepatitis B care during the peripartum period may be feasible and acceptable in Vanuatu. Poster session 1 (Group A)
In Vanuatu, management of hepatitis B is limited to hospital settings whilst antenatal care is decentralised to primary care settings, overseen by nurses and midwives. Scale up of interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of hepatitis B requires task shifting of care for hepatitis B during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on task shifting hepatitis B interventions to midwives to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in Vanuatu.
METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews in English or Bislama were conducted with policy makers and key stakeholders involved in hepatitis B care at the national and provincial level. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and then translated with any identifying factors coded. A thematic analysis was undertaken.
RESULTS:
A total of 12 interviews were conducted. Key findings focused on acceptability, feasibility and sustainability. The importance of PMTCT was recognised. The need to improve access and coverage through task shifting was supported. Nurses and midwives are seen to be highly trusted by the community and are already providing antenatal care, which supports acceptability. Supportive policies, guidelines and networks are required to enable nurses and midwives to provide PMTCT, many of which already exist. In order to be sustainable, an enabling environment is needed including resourcing (HR, financing, supplies); formalising task shifting; pathways for communication and referrals; and client awareness and health education.
CONCLUSIONS:
In general, there is support for the expansion of midwife-led interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. However, there is a need for training, capacity strengthening, continuing engagement across all levels, human resourcing, financing, and strengthening of supply chains. Strengthening of these health system-level components will improve PMTCT efforts and broader maternal and child health.
KEY MESSAGE:
Nurse or midwife-led hepatitis B care during the peripartum period may be feasible and acceptable in Vanuatu. Poster session 1 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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