About 170 children from Kirinyaga County
have graduated from HIV Exposed Infants (HEI) program after successfully going through
a two-year program aimed at protecting them from contracting the virus from
their mothers.
the weekend across all the sub counties with an aim of appreciating the mothers
who have been able to breastfeed and wean their babies without passing the
virus to them.
Kirinyaga Governor
of prevention of HIV, use of prophylaxes drugs, gender-based violence as well
as experiences of mothers living with the virus.
Health, Gladys Kimingi said that even though only a few mothers and their
children were invited to the events due to Covid-19 restrictions, the program
has been a success story and has seen mother to child transmissions reduced to
2 percent. She noted that without the program, transmissions rates could go up
to 35 percent.
was a result of the mothers’ dedication in following all the guidelines provided
in as far as handling their babies is concerned.
breastfeed and wean their babies without risking their health and we are happy
that these children are healthy and can live just like other children since
they were protected from contracting the virus.” Said the CEC.
from Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission (PMTCT) program to the
Comprehensive Care Program (CCP) where they will continue receiving the
necessary care and monitoring for infections which can be well managed if
detected in good time.
county residents noting that the HIV management interventions were bearing the
desired outcomes.
child transmission program has brought new hope to HIV positive mothers who
desire to have children since they don’t have to fear of infecting their
babies.
among HIV positive mothers since they no longer have to face harsh judgment
from people who would question why they didn’t breastfeed their babies” said
the governor.
embrace people living with HIV noting that current intervention measures and
treatment has enabled such people to lead normal lives, with some of them
getting to zero viral load.
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