By Alphonse Rutazigwa
Kirehe District Embarks on a Pioneering Campaign to Protect Newborns from HIV Transmission
As the world gears up to commemorate International HIV/AIDS Day on December 1st, a groundbreaking six-month campaign has been launched in Kirehe District, signaling a dedicated effort to sensitize the population about preventing new HIV infections. At the heart of this initiative lies a crucial focus on supporting HIV positive nursing mothers and safeguarding their infants from contracting the virus during breastfeeding.
At the forefront of this mission is Marie Grace DUSABE, overseeing operations at Kirehe Health Center. Her guidance and advice to HIV positive nursing mothers underscore the importance of adhering to healthcare protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies during breastfeeding. She emphasizes the critical role of regular testing for infants as a means to ensure their safety.
DUSABE explains the meticulous procedure involved post-birth, where infants receive a sequence of medications—Neverapine and Vidovidine—for a specified duration, followed by continued protection through the administration of Bactrim until the age of weaning at two years. The focus remains on exclusive breastfeeding, as breast milk maintains a constant temperature, preventing any injury or discomfort to the baby’s mouth.
The campaign extends beyond nursing mothers, addressing various demographics including pre-exposure prostitutes, discordant couples, and men who have sex with men (MSMs). DUSABE underlines the importance of practicing safe sex through protected encounters to prevent new HIV infections.
Dr. Munyemana Jean Claude, the Director General of Kirehe District Hospital, sheds light on the current HIV prevalence, noting 5,010 individuals living with the virus in the district. During recent mass testing efforts, 1.8% of those tested were found positive, emphasizing the ongoing need for preventive measures.
In line with this preventive approach, over 50,000 condoms have been distributed to encourage safe sexual practices among those unable to abstain from sexual encounters. Counseling efforts are also underway on a large scale, aiming to reinforce the significance of prevention throughout the district.
Janviere Mukandayisenga, the Kirehe District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Welfare, emphasizes the diverse range of health services available, spanning from grassroots levels to health facilities, community health counselors, and village and cell-level leaders. These services encompass support for vulnerable individuals, facilitating access to healthcare, testing for various diseases—both communicable and non-communicable—alongside mobilization efforts focusing on reproductive health, hygiene, and disease prevention.
In particular, HIV/AIDS receives specialized attention, ensuring access to treatment and materials to alleviate the severity of the disease. Mukandayisenga highlights the process of testing individuals for HIV, directing them to healthcare workers for comprehensive support, including counseling, nutritional guidance, and tailored care plans.
The district remains vigilant in its efforts to track and address the HIV prevalence, acknowledging the dynamic nature of the situation. Despite the current count of 5,010 individuals with HIV/AIDS, ongoing testing programs are essential to monitor and address any increases in prevalence.
The comprehensive approach adopted by Kirehe District serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating a concerted effort to empower HIV positive mothers and protect the next generation from the transmission of this formidable virus. Through education, support, and meticulous healthcare strategies, the district aims to create a safer, healthier future for all its inhabitants.
