Stop the Spread of HIV from Mothers to Babies

Like most mothers at AMS, when Kay* became pregnant her primary concern was the health and HIV status of her unborn child. “When I was pregnant, my main concern was if my baby would be free of HIV. Thankfully AMS doctors, nurses, and counsellors kept reassuring me that if I continue to take my medicine well and follow the advice given to me, my baby will be fine.”

Globally, over 90% of new HIV infections among infants and young children occur through mother-to-child transmission. This is why elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) is a key global goal for achieving an HIV-free generation.

At AMS our dedication to clients’ needs and our commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive care is changing this statistic. From January to May 2016, the AMS EMTCT program has successfully supported women living with HIV to give birth to 156 healthy, HIV-free babies. This continues the program’s 100% success rate – since 2013 all babies born in AMS’ EMTCT program have been born HIV-free.

Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we have been able to continue providing more women living with HIV with the quality HIV treatment, antenatal care, and comprehensive support services that they need to give birth to a thriving, HIV-free generation.

The success of the AMS EMTCT program is grounded in the thoughtful, loving care that we deliver to each woman, child, and family.

Kay was diagnosed HIV positive in 2011 and immediately enrolled in care and treatment at AMS. Once on treatment Kay’s health began to improve and she regained her strength. However, in 2013 when Kay became pregnant her excitement and joy was quickly overshadowed by concern for the health of her unborn child and fear that she would transmit HIV to her baby.

The constant support and encouragement of AMS staff and access to free, comprehensive HIV and antenatal care services allowed Kay to have a smooth and healthy pregnancy. “I was well cared for by AMS staff and enjoyed free services like ultrasound scans, laboratory check-ups, medication and their loving support. I faithfully followed what they told me, took all my medicine, attended antenatal care and when the time for delivery came I went to Nsambya Hospital for delivery.  After delivery I came back to AMS where my baby and I continued to be followed up.”

With limited access to additional financial assistance or support, the free comprehensive services provided at AMS are crucial to supporting mothers like Kay during both pregnancy and the period following childbirth. “The food package I receive from AMS also was of great help to me to keep breast-feeding my baby.”

By enrolling in the AMS EMTCT program, Kay received top-quality physical and psychosocial support throughout her pregnancy and the first year of her baby’s life. This holistic care has made it possible for Kay and hundreds of mothers like her to achieve their dreams of giving birth to HIV-free babies.

“I stopped breastfeeding my baby at one year and he was tested again and found to be HIV negative and what a joyful moment that was.  To me AMS is more than a medical center. They are like a family to me to whom I will forever be grateful and pray for to continue their service in being a blessing to others like me.”

Your support for the AMS EMTCT program enables us to continue working towards an HIV-free generation, by providing the free comprehensive services needed to support mothers and deliver healthy HIV-negative babies. From the entire AMS family – and the 156 HIV-negative babies born this year – thank you!

*Kay is not the woman’s real name, but was used to respect her privacy.

Links:

• AMS Maternal and Child Health