Mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Uganda
Title:
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Uganda
Author:
Vignarajah, Krishanti
Appeared in:
Journal of children and poverty
Paging:
Volume 10 (2004) nr. 1 pages 23-35
Year:
2004-03
Contents:
With nearly 40 million people currently infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide, preventing a further expansion of the disease lies in part with curbing vertical transmission from mother to child. After a brief outline of the epidemiological data on MTCT (mother-to-child transmission), the biology of transmission, and available therapies, this paper narrows its attention to Uganda's history in containing its AIDS crisis. After assessing what drug protocol is most suitable for Uganda, we will evaluate three key sets of barriers—inadequate infrastructure, limited patient access, and transmission risks of breastfeeding—that prevent rapid resolution of the MTCT problem. Ultimately, this paper aims to demonstrate two conclusions: first, Uganda would be wise to dedicate resources to the prevention of vertical transmission since an effective campaign would further reduce Uganda's incidence rates, be far more cost-effective than treatment programs, and serve as a platform for future health initiatives; second, a successful MTCT prevention strategy should consider widespread distribution of “safe delivery kits” with nevirapine, greater reliance on traditional healers, reduction of government cost-sharing schemes, and qualified encouragement of breastfeeding. Through preventative, narrowly-targeted MTCT campaigns, developing nations can build the broad capabilities and external confidence required to attract funding, secure drug price discounts, and ultimately adopt a successful and far-reaching treatment strategy.
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