By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
HEALTH
During a recent health media cafe organized by the Health Journalist Network Uganda (HEJNU) at Holy Innocents children’s hospital in Mbarara, Dr. Mike Kyewalyanga a paediatrician at the same facility shared some insightful information regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
He emphasized the importance of increasing antenatal visits from 4 to 8 times before delivery, as this helps in identifying and supporting HIV-positive mothers, ultimately leading to the birth of HIV-negative babies.
Dr. Mike highlighted the significance of revising medication regimens by introducing syrups and other easily administered medicines like pellets and dispassible tablets which have proven to be effective in ensuring the health of babies born to HIV-positive mothers.
Dr. Mike also mentioned the rigorous care given to children born to HIV-positive mothers, starting from birth until 18 months of age, when the final PCR test is conducted to confirm the child’s serostatus. Successful adherence to prophylaxis can result in the child being declared HIV-negative and discharged from the ART clinic, indicating a positive outcome of the interventions implemented in Uganda.
During the media cafe, a touching personal story from Namutebi Shaming (Not her real names) a breastfeeding mother living with HIV, shed light on the challenges faced by mothers in similar situations. Natukunda praised the government, specifically the Ministry of Health, for their remarkable efforts in providing support and interventions that have enabled many people to live positively despite their HIV status.
However, Natukunda also highlighted some challenges faced, such as the pill burden for babies and the risks associated with under-dosage due to spitting or vomiting of tablets.
She expressed the need for researchers to explore alternative medications like injectables to ensure the continued well-being of HIV-exposed infants.
Overall, the progress made in reducing mother-to-child transmission rates in Uganda, with the ambitious target of less than 50 per 100,000 live births set by WHO and the Ministry of Health, is commendable.
With dedicated interventions and support systems in place, the country is well on its way towards achieving the 95-95-95 target by 2030, as noted by Dr. Mike Kyewalyanga.
