Despite efforts by the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), there has been an increase in HIV infections transmitted from mothers to children, despite the implementation of the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme.
Dr. Stephen Ayisi-Addo, Programme Manager of NACP, attributed this trend to insufficient testing and lack of adherence to medication among pregnant women, resulting in ongoing infections from mothers to their babies. Speaking at the 2023 National HIV Estimates dissemination, Dr. Ayisi-Addo expressed concern over continued reports of newborns contracting the virus from their mothers.
PMTCT is a collaborative intervention by NACP, Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), and partners aimed at preventing HIV transmission from mothers to babies. Under this programme, pregnant women are tested for HIV during antenatal care, and those diagnosed positive receive medication to protect their babies from infection.
The latest National HIV estimation revealed that 12,108 mothers aged 15 to 49 are receiving PMTCT treatment, out of 13,445 identified as needing it within the same age range. Dr. Ayisi-Addo emphasized that many babies contracting HIV were born to mothers who missed HIV testing during antenatal care, stressing the need to improve testing coverage and ensure comprehensive ANC services.
The Programme Manager noted that non-adherence to medication among HIV-positive mothers contributed to transmission risks. Despite identification, not all mothers receive antiretroviral treatment to prevent transmission to their babies, with only 730 out of approximately 6,000 PMTCT facilities providing ARV services.
Transportation challenges often prevent pregnant women from accessing facilities with PMTCT coverage, prompting a new strategy to decentralize antiretroviral therapy across all health centers. Postnatal transmission through breastfeeding remains a concern, despite strict guidelines for HIV-positive mothers aimed at preventing transmission.
Acknowledging gaps in adherence to infant feeding guidelines among HIV-positive mothers due to insufficient training of service providers, Dr. Ayisi-Addo stressed the program’s commitment to addressing these issues and improving strategic interventions. The goal is to reduce mother-to-child transmission to less than 2 percent, aligning with elimination targets.
Dr. Stephen Atuahene, Director General of GAC, emphasized the critical role of strict treatment adherence in suppressing the virus and preventing perinatal transmission. He underscored the importance for HIV-positive women to achieve and maintain viral suppression before and during pregnancy to safeguard their children from infection.
He urged all persons living with HIV to adhere rigorously to treatment protocols, emphasizing the significance of viral suppression in averting transmission risks to infants.
