Accessing ART in Malawi while living in South Africa - a thematic analysis of qualitative data from undocumented Malawian migrants.
The majority of international migrants from Malawi to South Africa are undocumented, and some of them are on ART. This study explored how these migrants manage to access ART. Qualitative data were collected using open-ended questions in semi-structured interviews. 23 returned undocumented Malawian migrants from South Africa participated in the study. Also, key informant discussions were held with three health workers. Data collection took place in April and May 2015 at a rural village of Namwera in Mangochi district in southern Malawi. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English for thematic analysis. The guardians collected ART from health facilities in Malawi on behalf of the migrants. The guardians sent ART through truck and bus drivers to the migrants in South Africa. The migrants shared their ART. Others bought ART from the 'street pharmacies'. Others accessed ART from South African health facilities through the help of their South African friends. There are risks to dispensing ART to the migrants who do not themselves present at health facilities. There is value to more regular contacts between clients and health service system that is compromised by alternative strategies. It is better to deliver ART services in South Africa to the undocumented migrants.
['Masebo|Wilfred|W|']
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents D004651:Employment D005260:Female D015658:HIV Infections D006297:Health Services Accessibility D006801:Humans D007407:Interviews as Topic D008295:Malawi D008297:Male D036301:Qualitative Research D012424:Rural Population D013019:South Africa D000069756:Undocumented Immigrants
Malawi South Africa HIV antiretroviral therapy migration