Mother-to-child HIV transmission preventive measures prove effective
The rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission fell to 3.6 percent in the first half of 2017, showing Vietnam’s preventive measures are proving effective.
Communication activities boosted to raise public awareness of the importance of early treatment for HIV-infected mothers - Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The rate of mother-to-childHIV transmission fell to 3.6 percent in the first half of 2017, showingVietnam’s preventive measures are proving effective.
According to the Department of HIV/AIDSPrevention and Control under the Health Ministry, in the period, only 20 out of561 babies whose mothers were treated with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs testedpositive to HIV.
Studies indicate that 97 out 100 babieswhose mothers use ARV drugs in early pregnancy do not contract the virus, whilethe number is 50-75 babies if their mothers do not receive ARV therapy or haveinterrupted treatment.
Therefore, the department has coordinatedwith the Maternal and Child Health Department to intensify mother-to-child HIVtransmission preventive measures, especially offering HIV tests for expectant mothers.
Communication activities have also beenboosted to raise public awareness of the importance of early treatment forHIV-infected mothers.-VNA
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Communication activities boosted to raise public awareness of the importance of early treatment for HIV-infected mothers - Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
