COMMUNITY BASED HIV PREVENTION FOR CHILDREN IN RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTINGS: CLINICALLY RELEVANT STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING PEDIATRIC OUTCOMES

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu; Angela Amarachi Obeagu

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1542

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Division of Haematology, Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe. Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Angela Amarachi Obeagu Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1542

Keywords:

Children, community health workers, community HIV prevention, PMTCT, resource-limited settings

Abstract

HIV continues to impose a disproportionate burden on children in resource-limited settings, where socioeconomic constraints, fragile health systems, and limited access to prevention services impede progress toward global elimination goals. Community-based HIV prevention models have emerged as critical approaches to address structural and behavioral vulnerabilities, reduce pediatric HIV incidence, and strengthen linkages to care. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on community-led, family-centered, and health system–supported interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing HIV acquisition among children. Key approaches include early maternal HIV diagnosis, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), community health worker (CHW) programs, school- and faith-based initiatives, social protection strategies, and innovations in community testing and digital health. Although notable progress has been made, gaps persist in coverage, sustainability, multi sector collaboration, and adaptation to humanitarian settings. Strengthening community ownership, leveraging local capacity, and integrating child-focused HIV prevention with broader social welfare programs are essential to achieving equitable outcomes.