Empowering and supporting frontline providers in the paediatric-adolescent HIV response: results from participatory priority-setting and group discussions in twenty-four sites in twelve high HIV burden African countries

“Empowering and Supporting Frontline Providers in the Paediatric-Adolescent HIV Response” sheds light on the critical challenges faced by healthcare providers delivering HIV services to children and adolescents in Africa. The study, based on participatory discussions with 801 frontline providers across 24 sites in 12 high HIV-burden African countries, unveils the often-overlooked contextual realities of these providers. The findings, analyzed through a socio-ecological model, emphasise the importance of prioritising well-being, self-care, and mental health at the individual level. Interpersonal, organizational, community, and structural factors are also explored, providing valuable insights for creating supportive and empowering service delivery environments. The research advocates for increased attention to the needs of frontline providers to enhance the quality of paediatric-adolescent HIV care and highlights the significance of their role in improving health outcomes for HIV-affected children and adolescents.