Protecting the Future: Strategies for Preventing HIV Transmission from Mother to Newborn

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for the immune system to fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Newborn babies can acquire AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if they are infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Here are the primary routes through which newborns can get HIV:

1. Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) during Pregnancy
2. During Childbirth
3. Through Breastfeeding

Newborn babies are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection because their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to infections. Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV requires a comprehensive approach, including HIV testing and counseling for pregnant women, provision of ART to HIV-positive pregnant women and their infants, safe delivery practices, and support for feeding practices that minimize the risk of HIV transmission.

Efforts to prevent newborn babies from acquiring AIDS focus on ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of HIV-positive pregnant women, promoting safe childbirth practices, and supporting appropriate infant feeding options. With effective interventions and access to healthcare services, the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child can be significantly reduced, allowing babies to be born and grow up without acquiring HIV infection.

To handle this, we in the health sector can do various things such as the following:

• Expand Access to HIV Testing and Treatment: Ensure that all pregnant women have access to HIV testing and, if positive, receive immediate access to ART to suppress the virus and prevent transmission to their babies.
• Promote Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programs: Strengthen PMTCT programs by integrating HIV services into maternal and child health services, promoting early antenatal care visits, and providing comprehensive care for HIV-positive mothers and their children.
• Support Pediatric HIV Care and Treatment: Ensure access to appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and care for HIV-positive children, including early infant diagnosis and pediatric formulations of antiretroviral drugs.
• Scale Up Awareness and Education: Increase awareness and education about HIV/AIDS among communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to reduce stigma, promote testing, and encourage adherence to treatment.

By focusing on these strategies, we can contribute to reducing new HIV infections among children and ensuring that those living with HIV receive the care and support they need to live healthy lives. (IJ)