Zimbabwe to introduce new ARV therapy for pregnant mothers

Zimbabwe will introduce Option B plus of administering antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to pregnant HIV-positive women early next year, if all goes according to plan, an official has said.

This approach, will see expectant mothers living with HIV and Aids being introduced to three life-long courses of therapy from the 14th week of pregnancy, through to labour, delivery and during breast-feeding.

This would help keep HIV infected mothers alive and healthy, prevent spouses from infecting each other in a discordant relationship as well as safeguarding babies from contracting the virus.

The Aids and TB Unit director in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Owen Mugurungi, said the country can still improve in the fight against HIV and Aids, especially when adequate information and education is disseminated to the masses.