KISORO UGANDA: Kisoro District has recorded a 0.8 percent rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission, with health officials attributing the low rate to increased community sensitisation, early testing, and timely treatment of pregnant women living with HIV.
The Kisoro District HIV/AIDS Focal Person, Dr. Sison Mugisha, told The Lens Reports in an exclusive interview that the district continues to register low levels of HIV transmission from mothers to their babies during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Mugisha said pregnant women are routinely sensitised and encouraged to undergo HIV testing during antenatal care. Those who test positive are immediately enrolled on antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their babies.
CUE IN SISON ON MOTHERS.
He added that HIV can still be transmitted through breastfeeding, particularly when an HIV-positive mother does not adhere to her prescribed medication.
However, Mugisha said mothers living with HIV can safely breastfeed their babies when they strictly follow recommended treatment and medical guidelines, including taking their medication consistently and attending scheduled healthcare appointments.
He commended health workers for ensuring that pregnant women diagnosed with HIV are started on treatment early, saying this has contributed to the low mother-to-child transmission rate recorded in Kisoro District.
CUE IN MUGISHA ON TREATMENT.
