Ugandan First Lady calls for increased efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission

Apr 6 2009

Uganda's first lady Janet Museveni recently called for increased efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in the country, Uganda's New Vision reports.

MTC prevention efforts are a prerequisite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Museveni said, adding that more than 90% of pregnant women have contact with a health care provider at least once during pregnancy.

Museveni's comments were read by Adolf Mwesige, minister of local government, at the launch of a MTC prevention program in Uganda's Bushenyi district. According to Mwesige, the project is supported by the U.S. and will provide services to more than 7,000 HIV-positive pregnant women. According to the New Vision, it is estimated that more than 110,000 HIV-positive children live in Uganda, and more than 90% of HIV-positive children contracted HIV vertically (Ahimbisibwe, New Vision, 4/2).