Since the start of the year, Tshwane has registered 25 children born with HIV, according to the Gauteng Health Department (GDoH).
This was revealed in a recent statement by the department, encouraging expecting mothers to use their antenatal services as soon as they find out that they are pregnant to ensure a safe birth.
In comparison to last year, there has been a decrease in infants born with HIV, however the department asserts that the figures remain too high.
From January to June 2023, Gauteng recorded a total of 208 children born with HIV (Ekurhuleni 72, Johannesburg 70, Tshwane 41, West Rand 18 and Sedibeng 7).
From January to May 2024, a total of 151 were recorded in the province (Ekurhuleni 51, Johannesburg 55, Tshwane 25, West Rand 14 and Sedibeng 6).
Data for June this year will only be available towards the end of this month after validation and verification.
Pregnant women are encouraged to utilise their access to HIV testing, PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), viral load monitoring and management, TB screening and prevention therapy, among other services.
“To prevent vertical transmissions [mother to child], our healthcare facilities provide HIV testing services to pregnant women at their first booking of antenatal visit, and testing is repeated at every scheduled antenatal visit. This is why we cannot stress enough the importance of antenatal care services,” said GDoH’s director of maternal child health and nutrition, Sikhonjiwe Masilela.
“To further ensure prevention of mother-to-child transmission, we also recommend that after giving birth, mothers test for HIV every three months while breastfeeding and that they get initiated on PrEP. Partner testing is also highly encouraged,” Masilela said.
According to Masilela some of the measures the department has put in place include:
– The prioritisation of health literacy and advocacy on knowing your status
– Fertility planning
– Encouraging those who are HIV positive and are on ARV to adhere to treatment
– Strengthening of the need for excessive breastfeeding during the first 1 000 days of a child’s birth (and breastfeeding up to 2 years)
– Provision of PrEP during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period
– Encouraging families and partners to support the mother and the baby during the first 1 000 days and beyond
– Continuous data collection and verification to improve services delivered.
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