Preventing Mother to Child transmission of HIV

Location: Mekele

Situation:

Ethiopia is one of the countries with the lowest socio-economic and sanitary indicators in the world. The tensions with Eritrea, as well as the destabilisation of its boarder with Somalia caused by the conflict between the government and the rebel groups like ONLF, threaten the populations’ sanitary conditions. To add to that, there is an strong lack of competent medical personnel in rural areas (85% of the total population) which makes the provision of healthcare in that country (primary and surgery) even more complicated.

Activities:

This mission includes 8 components:
-    prevention of the MTCT (currently with Viramune);
-    Referral of pregnant women to the antiretroviral access program in hospital;
-    Training of counselors in screening centers, competence building;
-    Voluntary HIV testing
-    Awareness-raising/ prevention on HIV and MTCT
-    Rebuilding of the maternity unit
-    Provision of medicine, breast milk and other supplies
-    Information and practical advice on infant feeding

Outlook:

Changes in health policy mean that the use of ARV treatments is now permitted and they are available free  of charge at Mekele hospital. Women involved in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission program are systematically referred to the ARV unit for treatment. An extension of the awareness-raising activities, training and monitoring is underway to follow on from the first phase.

Project start date: August 2003

End date: January 2008