A virtual meeting organized by the African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN) convenes monthly with journalists from West and Central Africa to discuss health and environmental issues.
The focus of the June 2024 webinar was on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in these regions. Key speakers included Fodé Simaga, Director of Science, Service Delivery, and Systems for All at UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, and Eric Verschueren, UNAIDS Country Director for Togo and Benin.
Fodé Simaga highlighted that there is no fundamental difference between the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT), as they form a continuum where prevention aims to achieve complete elimination.
He noted that West and Central Africa account for 50% of pregnant women not receiving treatment. Antiretroviral (ARV) coverage for children in these regions is only 27%, significantly lower than the global average of 52% and the African average of 37%. This implies that only one in four children receives ARV treatment, with about 40% of new pediatric infections originating from this region.
Simaga emphasized that to achieve EMTCT goals by 2030, it is crucial to identify and raise awareness among women, test them for HIV, and provide treatment if infected. He also stressed the essential role of traditional and religious leaders in educating and informing communities.
Eric Verschueren detailed ongoing efforts in Togo and Benin, where UNAIDS collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations and civil society to raise awareness and advocate for financial and technical support.
He outlined four key pillars to achieve EMTCT: early detection and comprehensive quality treatment, bridging the treatment gap (moving from 50% to 95% coverage), preventing new infections among adolescents and pregnant women, and addressing issues of rights and gender equality.
Verschueren noted that some countries have made significant progress. For instance, Benin and Cape Verde lead with over 95% of pregnant women receiving ARVs. However, there is still much to be done in several countries to achieve EMTCT goals.
Both experts agreed that to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, it is essential to enhance data systems for better identification of infected women and their geographical locations, and to strengthen political will and awareness campaigns.
Source: Sidwaya
