Amidst efforts to end inequalities and AIDS and its pandemic in the state, pregnant mothers have been urged to ensure that they take HIV test and seek treatment if found positive for the virus to ensure the virus is not transmitted to their babies.
Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Taiwo Ladipo who gave the charge at the World AIDS day 2021 celebration at the Afin Primary Health Care (PHC) in Oyo town with support from APIN public health, stated that prevention of new born babies having HIV is important to put an end to the HIV pandemic in the county.
Ladipo, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Mufutau Ayoola declared that treatment for HIV in the state is free and urged people to ensure they know their HIV status.
He declared that it is possible for an HIV positive pregnant woman to give birth to a baby that does not have HIV if she complies with medical advice and in on ARV treatment.
According to him, “as a state, we are committed to preventing deaths in mothers and children. Pregnant mothers should register for antenatal care in hospitals, deliver there and ensure they have an HIV test done so that appropriate measure can be put in place to ensure they have HIV-free babies.”
APIN Public health representative, Mrs Bola Thompson declared that pregnant women can assess free HIV testing and treatment in any government health facility.
According to her, over 70 per cent of people that tested positive for HIV had been enrolled for care in the state.
PHC Coordinator, Atiba Local government Health Authority, Mrs Modupe Oke said the celebration had focused on improving on mothers knowing their HIV status and getting treated if positive to improve on the health of children as well to promote a healthy society.
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