One in every three children born to an African mother with HIV will not reach their second birthday without proper medication and education. In Africa, at least 35 per cent of infants born to HIV-positive mothers acquire the deadly virus during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. However, with adequate medication, the rate of transmission can be cut to just two per cent.
"At the end of 2006, 2.3 million children under the age of 15 were HIV positive (globally), with over 90 per cent of new HIV infections in infants and young children occurring as a result of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)," says Timothy Musombi, an HIV and AIDS coordinator with World Vision Kenya.
"(Mother-to-child transmission) has been virtually eliminated in developed countries," Musombi says. "And yet every day in poor countries, over 1,300 children become infected with HIV through MTCT."
Dramatic Drop in Infections
In Voi, Kenya, World Vision is assisting women with HIV who are pregnant and educating the community about HIV transmission and prevention.
Through a three-year partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Health, World Vision Canada is establishing safe maternity services and extended care for HIV positive women and their families.
"Crucially it means increasing women's access to simple antiretroviral drug regimes, which can cut the risk of mother-to-child transmission dramatically," said Musombi.
Stopping a Killer
The program informs women about the best ways to prevent transmission to their newborns. Methods include:
- Encouraging women to use health facilities for childbirth, where sanitation supplies and enhanced obstetric procedures are available.
- Supporting the administration of anti-retroviral drugs to help prevent HIV transmission.
- Counseling on infant-feeding options that can prevent transmission.
- Providing breast milk alternates to HIV positive mothers.
- Educating mothers who do breast feed about the prevention of cracked nipples, mastitis and oral hygiene of the infant.
The program also empowers the community by training individuals to become HIV specialists who will educate other community members about the best prevention practices.
Taking Action at Home
Meanwhile, World Vision Canada is calling on the leaders of G8 countries to meet goals established by the African Heads of State. The African leaders have called for a clear set of goals for 2010 to address HIV and AIDS. Among the goals is a call for 80 per cent of pregnant women with HIV to have access to facilities that prevent mother-to-child transmission.
If you'd like to send an email to Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging the government to advocate for further access to HIV treatment at the June G8 meeting, click here .
To make a difference in the life of a child directly affected by HIV and AIDS, click here .
