Evaluating a Clinic-Based Male Partner Engagement Intervention on Postpartum Retention in HIV Care Among Women in Morogoro, Tanzania

Retention in HIV care for postpartum women remains a critical challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with disengagement increasing risks of maternal mortality and vertical transmission. Male partner involvement is a recognised, yet underutilised, strategy to improve outcomes within prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes. This study evaluated the impact of a structured, clinic-based male partner engagement intervention on postpartum retention in HIV care among women living with HIV in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at two matched public health facilities. At the intervention site, an integrated package was implemented, including joint counselling sessions, scheduled male partner visits, and tailored health education. The comparison site continued standard care. Participants were enrolled during pregnancy and followed for 12 months postpartum. The primary outcome was retention in HIV care, defined as clinic attendance within 90 days of the scheduled postpartum visit. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression. Women in the intervention group were significantly more likely to be retained in care at 12 months postpartum compared to those receiving standard care (72% versus 54%; adjusted odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.34–3.55). Qualitative feedback indicated the intervention improved partner communication and shared responsibility for health. The clinic-based male partner engagement intervention improved postpartum retention in HIV care in this setting. Integrating such strategies into routine services shows promise for enhancing long-term maternal health outcomes. Programme planners should consider piloting and scaling up structured male partner engagement packages within routine antenatal and postpartum HIV services. Further operational research is needed to assess feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in diverse, resource-limited settings. HIV, postpartum period, retention in care, male partner engagement, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, Tanzania. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a clinic-integrated male partner engagement package to improve postpartum HIV care retention, contributing to strategies aimed at closing the postpartum gap in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission cascade.