Africa Knowledge Management Portal
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Policy for reduction of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Uganda.
Health Systems
Description
Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (MTCT) is the second major mode of spread of the virus in Uganda and is the main route by which children get infected. The relatively high prevalence of HIV among women of reproductive age in Uganda, coupled with a high fertility rate implies that without an intervention, the number of children who are likely to be infected with HIV is very high. Research studies have shown that provision of anti retroviral drugs of HIV infected pregnant mothers within a context of a comprehensive antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care services can reduce the risk of MTCT by up to half. It is against this background that this policy for reduction of MTCT was developed to guide the intervention in this area. This Policy document addresses the key issues related to prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV,