Training helps to significantly reduce transmission of HIV/AIDS virus

Oostvoorne, the Netherlands, 1 June 2006 - An information and education program that instructs trainers of midwives and healthcare professionals in preventing transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child will help to significantly reduce the number of newly born children infected with HIV in developing countries. This conclusion by the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and VU University Medical Centre of Amsterdam follows the completion of a trial project in South Africa. The program set up by the three organizations is the first train-the-trainer program designed to prevent vertical transmission of the virus in South Africa.

The education program shows trainers how to instruct healthcare professionals in using available and affordable antiretroviral medication to combat the HIV/AIDS virus during and after pregnancy so as to prevent transmission of the HIV virus to children.

The trainers help midwives determine such matters as when they need to start or stop treatment, when and how to adjust the dose of medication and how to motivate pregnant women with the HIV/AIDS virus to start taking the medication on time, to continue taking the medication daily and to ensure that their children receive the medication. They also advise on breast feeding and on dealing with side-effects of the medication. The program has been introduced in eight of South Africa's nine provinces. It has resulted in many replication projects and will shortly be offered in three other African countries.

A total of 3.1 million people died of AIDS in 2005 and estimates by the United Nations indicate that approximately 5 million people were infected with the HIV virus in the same year. Worldwide, 40.3 million people are believed to be infected with the HIV virus. Two-thirds of the victims live in Africa. Most infections occur among women and children.

The Netherlands Red Cross provides financial support for the information and training program.
 

Last update:
April 2, 2012
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