News / Health
15 000 new born babies get infected with HIV and Aids annually in Zimbabwe
11 Jul 2011 at 13:09hrs | Views
An official of the Elizabeth Glasar of the Paediatric AIDS Foundation, Dr Tichaona Nyamundaya says that at least 15 000 new born babies get infected with HIV and AIDS annually in Zimbabwe. This is due to lack of information to pregnant mothers about the Mother to Child HIV Intervention programmes designed to prevent transmission of the HIV virus to the unborn baby.
The prevention of mother to child transmission, is aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV from HIV positive mothers to their infants during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding. It involves the use of antiretroviral drugs, safer infant feeding practices and other interventions.
Dr Tichaona Nyamundaya, said the number is very high and unacceptable and it's time for them to join hands and work together to prevent new AIDS transmission from mothers to these innocent new souls. What makes this situation very disappointing is that we have the medicines in our hospitals.
The Foundation is teaming up with the Ministry of Health and Child welfare in developing a strong communication and advocacy strategy targeting different groups such as pregnant mothers and health workers, policy makers and the media, with a hope of addressing this situation.
The prevention of mother to child transmission, is aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV from HIV positive mothers to their infants during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding. It involves the use of antiretroviral drugs, safer infant feeding practices and other interventions.
Dr Tichaona Nyamundaya, said the number is very high and unacceptable and it's time for them to join hands and work together to prevent new AIDS transmission from mothers to these innocent new souls. What makes this situation very disappointing is that we have the medicines in our hospitals.
The Foundation is teaming up with the Ministry of Health and Child welfare in developing a strong communication and advocacy strategy targeting different groups such as pregnant mothers and health workers, policy makers and the media, with a hope of addressing this situation.
Source - RadioVop
