Ho Chi Minh City has intensified various activities to target 99% of newborn babies of HIV-infected pregnant mothers with ARV treatment to be enjoyed preventive treatment. The treatment is designed to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in 2014 on the occasion of the action month on mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention. The city also strives to reach over 97% of counseled pregnant women who agree to do HIV testing during their antenatal period. Over 93% of HIV-infected pregnant women will receive antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention. Over 85% of children of HIV-infected mothers will be sent to pediatric facilities to continue to monitor and apply post-natal care. Over 70% of HIV-infected mothers will be sent to adult HIV/AIDS treatment facilities for continuing monitoring, disease management and treatment. The mothers will receive appropriate intervention after birth at these facilities. In addition, the city has intensified dissemination of information about HIV infection prevention and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The city authorities have boosted service packages of mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention care and treatment. This move is especially focused on communicating the benefits of early access to services such as HIV counseling and testing for pregnant women in the first three months of pregnancy. Meanwhile, the city has also increased control of the relevant activities at district, communal and ward levels. The objective is to ensure sufficient supply of ARV treatment, counseling for bringing up infants and caring for and monitoring the HIV infection status of children of HIV-infected mothers. (Dangcongsan.vn June 13)
