We can ensure all babies are born HIV-free
Jul 06, 2010
Despite international commitment to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS services by 2010, including 80% coverage for prevention of mother-to-child transmission services, progress toward these goals remains very slow. The rate of transmission for paediatric HIV remains unacceptably high.
Despite international commitment to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS services by 2010, including 80% coverage for prevention of mother-to-child transmission services, progress toward these goals remains very slow. The rate of transmission for paediatric HIV remains unacceptably high.
Data from the health ministry (2008), estimates that nearly 88,919 children aged zero to 14 years are living with HIV/AIDS. Further still, every single year, 25,000 HIV-positive mothers pass on the infection to their babies. This infection may be passed on during pregnancy, delivery, and through breast milk.
In countries like the US and Botswana, paediatric HIV is fast becoming a thing of the past, with less than 25 babies born with HIV annually.
We know that prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) strategies including provision of anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy, safe delivery practices, and exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of three months can reduce the transmission rates to less than 1% .
When babies become infected, they must be initiated on anti-retroviral therapy before they turn two years.
HIV contributes to 50% mortality in babies who are not started on anti-retroviral therapy before the age of two years. Unfortunately, only 40 out of every 100 mothers in Uganda deliver at health facilities, and even fewer have access to an HIV test during pregnancy.
Early infant diagnosis is also difficult. There are also poor linkages, referral and follow-up between PMTCT, paediatric HIV diagnosis, care, treatment and support.
In my opinion, eradication of HIV in babies is possible, however, this needs total dedication and financial commitment from the Government. There is also need for an increased community awareness and support from all partners. With support from the Global AIDS Alliance, various civil society organisations in Uganda launched a three-year campaign to end Paediatric HIV/AIDS (CEPA) on July 3.
CEPA will focus on overcoming policy and implementation bottlenecks to scaling up prevention of mother-to-child transmission and paediatric diagnosis, treatment and care programmes.
The writer is a doctor and the president of the Uganda Paediatric Association
Data from the health ministry (2008), estimates that nearly 88,919 children aged zero to 14 years are living with HIV/AIDS. Further still, every single year, 25,000 HIV-positive mothers pass on the infection to their babies. This infection may be passed on during pregnancy, delivery, and through breast milk.
In countries like the US and Botswana, paediatric HIV is fast becoming a thing of the past, with less than 25 babies born with HIV annually.
We know that prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) strategies including provision of anti-retroviral therapy during pregnancy, safe delivery practices, and exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of three months can reduce the transmission rates to less than 1% .
When babies become infected, they must be initiated on anti-retroviral therapy before they turn two years.
HIV contributes to 50% mortality in babies who are not started on anti-retroviral therapy before the age of two years. Unfortunately, only 40 out of every 100 mothers in Uganda deliver at health facilities, and even fewer have access to an HIV test during pregnancy.
Early infant diagnosis is also difficult. There are also poor linkages, referral and follow-up between PMTCT, paediatric HIV diagnosis, care, treatment and support.
In my opinion, eradication of HIV in babies is possible, however, this needs total dedication and financial commitment from the Government. There is also need for an increased community awareness and support from all partners. With support from the Global AIDS Alliance, various civil society organisations in Uganda launched a three-year campaign to end Paediatric HIV/AIDS (CEPA) on July 3.
CEPA will focus on overcoming policy and implementation bottlenecks to scaling up prevention of mother-to-child transmission and paediatric diagnosis, treatment and care programmes.
The writer is a doctor and the president of the Uganda Paediatric Association