KAMPALA, September 2012 (PlusNews) - The government of Uganda has launched the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) "Option B+" to boost the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). Uganda currently uses a PMTCT system similar to WHO's Option A, which involves single-dose antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the mother - if her CD4 count, a measure of immune strength, is over 350 - from the 14th week, as well as ARVs during labour, delivery and one week post-partum. Pregnant women … [Read more...]
Eliminate Pediatric HIV Transmission and Keep Mothers Alive
A Bold New Plan To Eliminate Pediatric HIV Transmission and Keep Mothers Alive Today, I was proud to participate in an historic moment in the global HIV response. Standing with former President Bill Clinton, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and many others, we joined forces toward an ambitious, yet achievable, goal — ending pediatric AIDS and keeping mothers alive around the globe. In the United States and Europe, pediatric AIDS is now an artifact of history. Yet, in many countries, … [Read more...]
Democratic Republic of the Congo – Preventing HIV Infection
Democratic Republic of the Congo Preventing HIV Infection This week I am traveling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country that, while facing many challenges, is home to families who are seeking to build a better future. Health is an important part of a better future for the DRC, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a key example of a health care service that can strengthen families and communities. PMTCT provides a triple benefit: in addition … [Read more...]