31 Oct 2019

 The Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme has been described as a success despite males not being fully supportive of it.

 According to the South East District Health Management Team (DHMT) reports for April to June and July to September this year, 796 pregnant women tested for HIV/AIDS between January and September. 

Only 261 men tested for HIV/AIDS in support of efforts to stop the virus from spreading to unborn babies. 

The reports note with concern low male involvement in the life saving programme. 

In addition, the reports say most women fail to produce partners’ results during checkups which could indicate the existence of risks for HIV transmission. 

The reports say there is need to encourage men to test in support of the initiative as well as to encourage women to produce their partners’ results. Nonetheless, only one case was recorded where a child tested positive between April and June this year. 

However, the child’s mother was described as a non-booker and was not enrolled under any health facility. 

The reports note that the absence of cases during other quarters indicate adherence to PMTCT protocols. They however stress the need for continued education on PMTCT with emphasis on testing, enrollment and adherence. 

The reports further note the high numbers of pregnant women who test during their antenatal care visits. 

Since the beginning of the year, only three women missed testing during the April and June reporting period while none skipped testing for the other reporting periods of January to March and July to September. During all the reporting periods, the district managed to meet the 98 per cent target of fulfilling the PMTCT programme. 

On another issue, the district reported a high number of teenage pregnancies which indicates that young people are engaged in risky behaviours. 

This is said to be putting young people at risk of contracting HIV and STIs as well as exposing them to complications during pregnancy and at the time of delivery hence the need to encourage health facilities to integrate youth-friendly services and strengthen community awareness about the services provided.ENDS