Unicef aims to rid new HIV infections

 REACHING the goal of an AIDS-free generation requires the treatment of pregnant women and children living with HIV with effective antiretroviral (ART) drugs, a Unicef representative says. 

Baba Danbappa, speaking at the launch of the national stakeholders consultation on elimination of paediatric HIV and congenital syphillis meeting in Port Moresby on Wednesday, said: “We must do more to help mothers and children who live with HIV to be able to live free from AIDS.

“We must re-dedicate ourselves to boosting the number of pregnant women and children being tested and treated through basic antenatal and child health programmes.”

Danbappa said only 20% of HIV-infected pregnant women received services for prevention of parent to child transmission (PPTCT) of HIV.

Unicef  targets  to eliminate new HIV infections among children by 2015.

The Government was commended for adopting the use of the ART as a mode of care for HIV infected pregnant women to prevent vertical transmission. 

Danbappa said ART was an effective way to eliminate new HIV infection among children and it kept their mothers alive.

“It has been proven that antiretroviral treatment (ART) provided to HIV positive pregnant women can keep them alive and well and prevent their babies from acquiring HIV during pregnancy, delivery and the breastfeeding period,” he said.

“Treatment can also prevent sexual transmission from an HIV positive woman to an HIV negative partner.

“I urge stakeholders to come together to discuss its feasibility as it has implications on the health system, human resources and financing.”

Danbappa said targets would only be achieved through strong political will, reasonable financial resources and a firm human rights based approach.