HIV transmission to babies drops to 87% annually

PIC: A new born baby takes the finger of his mother after the delivery.PHOTO: AFP

HEALTH

Uganda has recorded gains in reducing the number of babies born with HIV from 310,000 in 2010 to 28,000 in 2011 and now at 4,600, a status report of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) shows.

"Uganda is one of the first countries in Africa to register a reduction of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Maternal to Child transmission of HIV has been reduced by 87%," reads a twitter message from Uganda Aids Commission.

UG is one of the 1st countries in Africa to register a reduction of mother to child transmission of HIV. MTCT has dropped from 310,000 in 2010 to 28,000 in 2011 and is now at 4,600 in 2016. Maternal to Child transmission of HIV has been reduced by 87% @UNICEFUganda pic.twitter.com/KEjx8eJm8c

— Uganda AIDS Commission (@aidscommission) October 17, 2018

The AIDS body believes that the "remarkable drop" in babies was evidence that the focus on voluntary HIV testing services at reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent Health centres was finally paying off.

The health ministry permanent secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, has attributed the success to partnerships with different local Governments and development partners.

"Special thanks to the ministry of health, Office of the First Lady Janet Museveni, all District Local Governments, Development Partners, Implementing Partners and Civil Society Organizations for the great contributions that have led to this achievement. together, we shall do more," she said.

According to UAC, every day, approximately 151 people get infected with HIV in Uganda. Of these 67 (44.1%) are young people. One way of reducing new HIV infections is by knowing your HIV status. Get tested today.

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