The National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) is reporting that two cases of Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV have been recorded for this year. This is according to Programme Manager of NAPS Dr. Tariq Jagnarine.
Programme Manager of NAPS Dr. Tariq Jagnarine told MTV News Update that there were three cases of Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) in 2021.
Mother to child transmission (MTCT) is when HIV is transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
According to Dr. Jagnarine two cases of MTCT were recorded so far in 2022.
“In fact I think the two cases we’ve had thus far for this year, was because of breastfeeding and so we have work to be done. We need to ensure that from one, from the HIV programme perspective, there is sufficient testing throughout the country and so we’re looking at the gaps.”
He acknowledged that there is still more work to be done in eliminating cases like this and the agency is working along with the Maternal Child Health Unit.
However, he noted that there are some challenges such as mothers who refused to attend antenatal clinics during the early stages of pregnancy.
This he said is found mostly in hinterland communities.
“We’ve had many persons show up to a labour room or a delivery room without ever visiting an antenatal clinic and so we don’t know their status and sometimes when you gotta do HIV testing there, then you realise their positive and it creates that risk.”
Dr. Jagnarine is urging expectant mothers to get tested to know their status, and ensure their babies health.
