Stop the Spread of HIV from Mothers to Babies

When 26-year-old *Katrina* first walked through the doors of Alive Medical Services (AMS), she carried more than the hopes and expectations of becoming a mother. As a woman living with HIV, she also carried the responsibility of protecting her unborn child from acquiring HIV.
Her journey through Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) services at AMS became a journey of knowledge, commitment and hope.
From pregnancy through delivery and the postnatal period, she remained connected to HIV care and received support to help her adhere to her antiretroviral treatment. This continued care is important because consistent maternal Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission to the unborn baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding.
At AMS, she received counselling and follow-up throughout the EMTCT process, she was also supported to understand the importance of taking her medication consistently, attending scheduled appointments and ensuring that her baby received the recommended HIV testing and follow-up as well as having her viral load tested every month throughout her pregnancy and breastfeeding seasons as recommended by World Health Organization.
Katrina had a successful birth, “I was afraid because I thought a C-section was the only option for my case, but surprisingly, I successfully pushed my baby.” she shares.
Then came a moment every mother hopes for. At six weeks, her baby underwent the first PCR test as part of early infant diagnosis. “The result was negative.” Katrina shared with a bright smile. For her, the result was more than a test result, it was a moment of relief, joy and renewed hope.
Her baby who is currently 7 months, Katrina continues to follow the health workers guidelines as she prepares for the next PCR test at 9 months. “I wanted to be a mother, and I definitely want to have an HIV free baby, so everything the health workers tell me to do, I follow through diligently.”
Katrina’s journey does not end with just one negative PCR result; she understands that continued follow-up and adherence to her HIV treatment remains important as she continues caring for her baby until the last PCR that will be done when the baby is 18 months.
HIV-exposed infants require ongoing monitoring during the breastfeeding period and subsequent testing according to global guidelines. Today, she looks ahead with greater confidence. Her story is a reminder that an HIV diagnosis does not take away a woman's ability to have a healthy pregnancy or give birth to an HIV-free child.
With access to quality EMTCT services, adherence to treatment, continued follow-up and the support of healthcare providers, mothers living with HIV can give their children a strong start in life.
Thanks to funding from GlobalGiving, Alive Medical Services has made Katrina’s journey represent what EMTCT care is ultimately about: supporting mothers, protecting babies and creating a future where children are born free from HIV.