Involvement of Hub Nurses in HIV Policy Development: Case Study of Nyanza Province, Kenya

Abstract

Nurses constitute the bulk of healthcare personnel in most countries playing major responsibility of providing quality care. Few nurses are however involved in health policy development yet they play a critical role in providing care for the individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

This study describes involvement of nurses in HIV policy development in Nyanza Province Kenya. This study adopted a case study design using qualitative methods.

Levels of involvement in policy development were identified to be at different levels but still very minimal at the provincial and national levels. Linkages and collaborations were the greatest benefit in policy development. Governments have a key role in governing policy issues. NGOs, learning institutions and communities are key players in health policy. Barrier to participation in policy formulation were identified as competing priorities, inadequate time, and limited knowledge and skills. Nurses play critical role in HIV/AIDS and therefore they should be involved in policy formulation.