Mother-to-child HIV transmission preventive measures prove effective
The rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission fell to 3.6% in the first half of 2017, showing Vietnam’s preventive measures are proving effective.
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According to the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control under the Health Ministry, in the period, only 20 out of 561 babies whose mothers were treated with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs tested positive to HIV.
Studies indicate that 97 out 100 babies whose mothers use ARV drugs in early pregnancy do not contract the virus, while the number is 50-75 babies if their mothers do not receive ARV therapy or have interrupted treatment.
Therefore, the department has coordinated with the Maternal and Child Health Department to intensify mother-to-child HIV transmission preventive measures, especially offering HIV tests for expectant mothers.
Communication activities have also been boosted to raise public awareness of the importance of early treatment for HIV-infected mothers.
