Nireekshana ACET, in India, provided holistic care to 40 more expectant and new mothers in this last year, to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. Women from poor economic backgrounds, young widows and the marginalised were specifically invited to be included as those most in need of extra support.
Monthly medical check-ups for the women and their new babies; regular counselling appointments; nutritional support; home visits for medication adherence and support; and group education sessions were offered.
Topics such as warning signs to watch for during pregnancy; nutrition for healthy mothers; the importance of antiretroviral medication adherence; nutrition and care for healthy babies; and various other general health care topics, such as the importance of handwashing, were taught each month.
This work has made such an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of these women and their families. We are pleased to share that, after initial tests, all babies enrolled in the programme are HIV negative. Babies will continue to receive support until they are 1 1/2 years old and we are hopeful they will develop into healthy and thriving individuals.
Read more about the work of ACET Nireekshana