How can mtct be prevented

Women on ART continue to take their medication throughout pregnancy and labour and are able to give birth naturally. Transmission of HIV from a mother to her baby during delivery and labour is increased by prolonged bleeding, instruments being used to assist in delivery, episiotomy surgically cutting the area between the vagina and the anus to prevent tearing and premature birth.

Babies are tested for HIV at birth and after 10 weeks. All babies are put on HIV preventive treatment called PEP and an antibiotic to prevent infections until the mother stops breastfeeding. Feeding your baby. Breastfeeding is encouraged since research has shown that a combination of exclusive breastfeeding and the use of antiretroviral treatment can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to babies through breastfeeding. HIV positive mothers who choose to formula-feed must be able to afford, prepare and store formula milk safely.

Those mothers who are unable to breastfeed due to medical conditions will be provided with formula milk until the baby is 6 months old. The mother should arrive within 1 week after birth and then 2 weeks later at the nearest baby follow-up clinic for the following:. The baby will receive an HIV test at birth, 10 weeks, 6 months, 18 months and 6 weeks after breastfeeding has stopped.

For further information and help, you can contact your nearest clinic. First-time visitors will be asked to fill out a form and a folder will be opened for the patient, so remember to take your ID book. HIV Testing and Diagnosis For women who are pregnant, HIV counseling and testing is the first and most critical step in reducing mother-to-child transmission. Safe Childbirth Safe childbirth is an important consideration for all expectant mothers and particularly for HIV-positive women.

Postnatal Care EGPAF works within maternity and child wellness clinics throughout to offer a variety of integrated postnatal care services. Want to learn more? Read More. Next We thank you for your time spent taking this survey. Your response has been recorded. Campaigns Many Federal agencies have developed public awareness and education campaigns to address HIV prevention, treatment, care, and research. More on Campaigns. Ver Mas Recursos. Learning Opportunities Want to stay abreast of changes in prevention, care, treatment or research or other public health arenas that affect our collective response to the HIV epidemic?