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The Ministry of Health aims to engage women support groups in efforts to reduce HIV transmission from mothers to children.
Kenya did not meet its goal of lowering this transmission rate by less than 5 percent by 2020, as reported by the Ministry. Currently, the country’s rate stands at 8.6 percent, with a new target set to achieve zero percent transmission by 2027, according to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council.
Leonard Okumu, HIV/AIDS coordinator for Rachuonyo Sub County, highlighted that the Ministry is focusing on support groups of HIV-positive women to achieve viral load suppression. This approach aims not only at pregnant women but also breastfeeding mothers.
Effective use of HIV drugs, Okumu explained, is crucial for achieving viral suppression, which prevents transmission of the virus from mother to child.
The Upendo women support group in Homabay County is one such group collaborating with the Ministry to reduce HIV transmission.
Established in 2018, the group’s primary goal is to lower mother-to-child transmission rates, boasting over 20 members. Lucy Auma Atela, the group’s organizing secretary, noted significant progress in their efforts.
Initially, many HIV-positive women were giving birth to infected babies in the area, but since the group’s inception, none of the 12 members who have given birth transmitted HIV to their children.
Atela emphasized their focus on educating women of reproductive age living with HIV, stressing adherence to ARV medication and attendance at prenatal clinics.
The group conducts regular sensitization sessions to empower women with the knowledge needed to prevent transmission of HIV to their children effectively.
