The Battle of Gauteng: Why do Newborns still Have HIV?

Antiretroviral medication and HIV testing are available to pregnant women in South African health facilities. Nonetheless, despite the availability of free medication meant to prevent mother-to-child transmission, health officials in Gauteng are worried that newborns are still being delivered with HIV.

In Gauteng, South Africa, which is home to Johannesburg and Pretoria and has a population of over 15 million, 232 newborns were diagnosed with HIV during the first half of this year.

UNAIDS states that 120,000 new HIV infections occur in children 14 years of age and under annually, making mother-to-child transmission of the virus a serious problem.

Health professionals voice concern, stressing that with the available treatments, even one instance of HIV transmission from mother to kid is too high. Primary healthcare program manager Melanie Langeveldt said, “There are many factors that contribute, such as population migration, economic factors, or a combination of factors.” However, we argue that people ought to be aware of this, so let’s arrange a meeting, visit the facility, and discuss ways to lessen the likelihood that you will stop your treatment because the results are not favorable.”

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