Programmes for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV include antenatal HIV testing and councelling, avoiding unintended pregnancy, provision of appropriate antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for mothers and newborns, and support for safer infant feeding options and practices.
Who Pmtct definition?
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) is defined as the transmission of HIV from a mother to her child during pregnancy, labor, delivery or during breastfeeding. In the absence of any interventions, transmission rates range from 15% to 45%.
Is it safe to take Arvs while pregnant?
Are antiretrovirals safe for my baby? Research suggests that anti-HIV drugs are safe to use in pregnancy. There may be a slightly increased risk of giving birth prematurely or having a low birth-weight baby. However, other research suggests antiretrovirals don’t contribute to premature births.
Can I try for a baby while on ARVs?
If you are a woman with HIV and intend to get pregnant, most antiretroviral drugs are considered safe during pregnancy. If you are currently on treatment, you will likely be advised to continue if you become pregnant as long as you have an undetectable viral load.
What is the PMTCT programme in South Africa?
South Africa’s PMTCT guidelines divide the national PMTCT programme into three phases: When a mother goes to the clinic, midwife obstetric unit (MOU) or hospital for her first antenatal visit, she is offered routine HIV counselling and voluntary testing.
What is the World Health Organization’s approach to PMTCT?
The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes a comprehensive approach to PMTCT programmes which includes: In September 2015 WHO released guidelines recommending that all pregnant women living with HIV be immediately provided with lifelong treatment, regardless of CD4 count (which indicates the level of HIV in the body).
How can we improve the quality of comprehensive PMTCT services?
Improve the quality of comprehensive PMTCT services through training of primary and community health workers and volunteers on Ministry of Health national guidelines. Provision of appropriate treatment, care and support for women living with HIV and their children
What is community-PMTCT (C-pmmtc)?
Therefore, the organisation’s focus is on community-PMTCT (c-PMTCT). Community-based interventions within each of the four ‘prongs’ of PMTCT are designed to increase community need (demand) for health services and commodities and to strengthen the quality of these services at the primary health-care (PHC) level.
