Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV
The key to ensure that no child is born with HIV
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- Bahasa Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the countries in the world reporting a rising number of new HIV infections in recent years, with a profile similar to countries with concentrated epidemics.
There are currently estimated to be 640,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia.
In 2019 the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that 38% of cases were among women.
This is worrying since the chance of transmission, particularly from mothers to child can be greatly reduced with proper treatment prior to or during pregnancy.
Elimination of new HIV infections among children can be achieved through the Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) program where HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment are provided to young girls, women living with HIV and pregnant women that have not been tested with HIV.
The Implementation of PMTCT Program in Indonesia
Since 2008, UNICEF Indonesia has been supporting Papua and West Papua Governments in strengthening the PMTCT Program at provincial and district level. Initial implementation was started in 2012 with Sorong City as one of pilot sites, in addition to Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya.
The early diagnosis of HIV is very important for initiation of care, treatment, support and to prevent further transmission of HIV.
Because of the high risk of death before the age of 2 years among HIV-infected infants, and given the increasing availability of paediatric antiretroviral treatment in many resource-limited settings. UNICEF supports West Papua Province to build the capacity of health providers so they can conduct early testing of infants for HIV since 2018. In 2019, 25 children in Sorong City and Manokwari district has been saved from HIV infection. Early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV allows health-care providers to offer optimal care and treatment to HIV infected children, assist in decision-making on infant feeding, and avoid needless stress of mothers and families. EID helps save lives in West Papua.
Stories from PMTCT Program
Living a Full Life with HIV
Looking at Ratna is like looking at the proof that PLHIV still can lead a normal life.
Less Alone: How Peer Supporter Helps
Peer support is really important for PLHIV (People Living with HIV), who still face a lot of stigma and shame.
Keeping Children Healthy in Face of Adversity
The number of death before the age of 2 years among HIV-infected infants is still high.
The story of Flori and Yoris
Flori and her husband have been living with HIV since 2004. This condition didn't discourage them to have children - they kept looking for more information and prepared everything they need to join the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program.
This program brought a light for their future. It gifted Flori a chance to get pregnant and to give birth to a HIV free baby. UNICEF supports Indonesian government to implement PMTCT program, including in Kupang.
Many challenges need to be addressed. But, there is always hope.