Pharm. (Mrs) Modupe Okeneye, has stressed the need for expectant and nursing mothers to be aware of their HIV status, as a means of preventing the transmission of the virus to their children.
She underlined the essence of enlightenment for expectant and nursing mothers on HIV, which allows them understand the risks of mother-to-child transmission that can occur through blood, breast milk, and other bodily fluids.
Pharm. Okeneye, highlighted the dangers posed by HIV to the human body, noting that it weakens the immune system, as it can develop into AIDS if left untreated.
She said, “HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, and if left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, a severe stage of the infection where the immune system is badly damaged.”
The pharmacist, was the keynote speaker, at the recent outreach of the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) Lagos State Chapter to Makoko women, in commemoration of the 2024 ALPs Day in the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Scientific Week.
Speaking on the topic, “Assessing Quality Healthcare: Community Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) in view”, she explained that the aim of the programme was educate mothers on how to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and that starts with understanding the ways in which the virus is spread.
She highlighted the importance of mothers knowing their HIV status, stating that, “The first step to prevention of mother to child transmission is to know your status, then proceed to treatment if need be.
“Not all expectant mothers attend hospitals for antenatal care; some give birth at home or in churches, which increases the risk of unknowingly transmitting HIV to their babies. We strongly advise that every pregnant woman knows her HIV status before delivery so that adequate measures can be taken,” she added.
She listed the availability of the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medications, which should be taken within 72 hours for HIV prevention or after potential exposure. The keynote speaker also outlined preventive measures known as the ABC approach according to her, which is Abstinence from sex, Being faithful to one partner, and Consistent use of condoms.
“Additionally, for those who are already infected with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the treatment that will be administered. These drugs help suppress the HIV viral load in the blood, making it less likely to transmit the virus.
“Regular antenatal visits are crucial to check HIV status and take steps to protect both mother and child. Even after childbirth, mothers should ensure their babies are tested, especially if they didn’t give birth in a healthcare facility. Knowing your HIV status is vital for protecting your family and ensuring a hopeful future”, she quipped.
Addressing the issue of stigma, Okeneye called for compassion and understanding towards individuals living with HIV, urging relatives and friends to desist from stigmatising people living with the virus. “We are either infected or affected in some ways, and it’s important to support one another.”
She assured carriers of HIV of the available treatment provision by USAID, which they can easily access to suppress their viral load and live their normal lives. “If you have tested positive for HIV, treatment has been made free by USAID, and it is crucial to start treatment immediately. There’s hope for you, because HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence,” she admonished.
The health outreach, organised by ALPs in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, (LASHMA), Santos Pharmacy Ltd, and Monsoon Food Company, saw two hundred and fifty Makoko pregnant and nursing mothers benefitted from free screenings on hepatitis, HIV, blood pressure, and special Mama Pack, while 100 of them received access to free one year health insurance under the Ilera Eko scheme by LASHMA.
The State ALPs Chairman, Pharm. (Dr) Afusat Adesina, explained the essence of their visit to Makoko community, saying as an interest group of PSN, ALPs usually organised impactful programmes to mark ALPs Day in the PSN Scientific Week. And this outreach was no exception, as they were intentional in touching the lives of expectant and nursing mothers in the area through education on PMTCT and the general wellbeing of mother and child.
Pharm. Adesina highlighted the benefits of the outreach to the beneficiaries stating that it will enable the two hundred and fifty women know their health status on HIV, hepatitis, hypertension, with a hundred of them gaining free access to health insurance for a year. She noted that the special Mama Pack given to all the women will also reduce their financial burden during child birth.
She further disclosed how the outreach will help in reducing the burden of infant and maternal mortality in the country, starting that once a pregnant woman tests positive for HIV, she will be connected to the agency where she will be receiving antiretroviral drugs freely, and will be encouraged to adhere to here medications, which will subsequently lead to her heathy living. And once she is ready to deliver her baby, the practitioners will ensure it is conducted in a special way to prevent mother to child transmission at birth.
 Modupe Okeneye, has stressed the need for expectant and nursing mothers to be aware of their HIV status, as a means of PMTCT){kind=link}