A CRITICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PREVENTION OF MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV

A CRITICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PREVENTION OF MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV (PMTCT) PROGRAMME AND ITS EFFECTS ON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AT ALOBA GENERAL HOSPITAL, OYO STATE

CHAPITRE ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Background

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens an individual’s immune system, making them vulnerable to a wide range of opportunistic illnesses. Although unprotected sexual contact is the primary mode of HIV transmission, vertical transmission from mother to child is also common. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs when HIV is passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or nursing [1-3]. Since the 1980s, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in developing countries has risen dramatically. As a result, it has had a wide range of demographic, economic, and social consequences. More than 2 million children are infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide, with more than 80% of them living in Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2012, for example, there were 260,000 new pediatric HIV infections reported, with the vast majority occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. The countries of Southern and Eastern Africa have been hit the worst. As a result, the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set a 90-90-90 target for 2020. The goal is to eradicate HIV epidemics by 2030. The post-2015 HIV priorities aim to dramatically reduce the number of new HIV infections each year, thereby saving countless lives.

HIV infects around forty million people worldwide. This translates to roughly 1% of the global population. Around 4.3 million new HIV infections were reported worldwide in 2006. Women account for 48 percent of all AIDS patients globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 59 percent. More over 60% of Nigeria’s population is estimated to live in rural areas, with the bulk of them lacking in social amenities. Furthermore, service facilities, particularly secondary and tertiary health care, are concentrated in metropolitan areas. Oyo State’s 38 percent universal coverage of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV-positive pregnant women falls far short of the target of 80 percent. Postpartum mothers in Oyo State have access to a limited comprehensive intervention package in the majority of health facilities. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief-funded AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) programme delivered PMTCT interventions in numerous facilities in Oyo State (PEPFAR). Child survival in Oyo State is compromised due to a lack of access to preventative measures.

There are currently 1,216 PMTCT service locations in Nigeria. In 2009, 18.7% of HIV-positive pregnant women received antiretroviral (ARV) medications to reduce their risk of MTCT, up from 5.3 percent in 2007, demonstrating a significant increase in PMTCT coverage, however ARV prophylaxis coverage during breastfeeding remained low. Providing ARV prophylaxis to HIV-positive pregnant women has prevented the infection of nearly 350,000 children since 1995, resulting in a 24% drop in newly infected kids.

HIV transmission from mother to child via nursing can occur during pregnancy (in utero), after delivery (intrapartum), or after birth (postnatally). ARV usage, caesarean section before labor begins or membranes rupture, and complete avoidance of nursing are all measures to reduce MTCT during these times. 7 When used correctly, these combined therapies can reduce the incidence of MTCT to as low as 1-2 percent. Without treatment, 30-45 percent of all infants born to HIV-positive mothers will be infected, with 10-20% catching the infection through nursing. 9 Early infant diagnosis (EID) programs can be used to measure the impact of PMTCT and considerably improve survival rates. The PMTCT (prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission) program and its influence on maternal and child health are investigated in this study.

1.2 Problem Statement

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is currently one of the world’s most serious health issues. By the end of 2008, AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses had killed more than 25 million people (2 million in 2008 alone, including 280,000 children under the age of 15), and an estimated 35.8 million people were living with HIV, including 15.7 million women and 2.1 million children under the age of 15. Sub-Saharan Africa continued to bore the burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 2008, accounting for around 67 percent of total HIV infections, 68 percent of new infections, and 72 percent of AIDS-related fatalities. The pandemic, which was once dominated by infected men, has become more gendered over time, with women accounting for over 60% of HIV-positive adults in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) accounts for more than 90% of childhood infections, and as more moms get infected, the number of children affected grows.

1.3 Study Objective

The following are the study’s objectives:

1. To investigate how HIV is transmitted from mother to kid.

2. To investigate the impact of HIV transmission on mother and child health.

3. To look into prevention measures for HIV transmission from mother to child.

1.4 Research problem

This study is guided by the following research:

1. How is HIV transmitted from mother to kid transmitted?

2. How does HIV transmission affect the health of mothers and children?

3. What are the potential HIV prevention techniques for mother-to-child transmission?

1.5 Importance of Research

The study will assist the government, particularly the commissioner of health. Effective communication channels, such as refresher courses, training, and workshops, should be used to encourage health-promoting behaviors and behavioral change. This goes beyond the impact of targeted health education messages on knowledge. Further detailed studies on this topic should be conducted in various parts of Nigeria to ensure progress in knowledge and behavior. This study will add to the existing literature in this field and will also serve as a resource for academics, researchers, and students who may want to do future research on this or a related topic.

1.6 Field of research

The purpose of this study is to look into the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program and its impact on maternal and child health. The study will also look into the mode of HIV transmission from mother to child, how HIV transmission affects maternal and child health, and prevention approaches for HIV transmission from mother to child. As a result, the subjects for this study were recruited from Aloba General Hospital in Oyo State.

1.7 Study Limitations

The researchers faced financial constraints, insufficient materials, and a time constraint over the course of the investigation.

1.8 Terms Definition

Transmission: The act or process of sending something, or the state of being sent.

Hiv (human immunodeficiency virus): HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that affects cells that assist the body fight infection, rendering a person more susceptible to other infections and disorders.

Child health is more than just the absence of disease or infirmity; it is a state of physical, mental, intellectual, social, and emotional well-being.

This term refers to a mother, particularly during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.