Screening of expectant mothers to prevent HIV, syphilis transmission stressed

The National Health Mission (NHM) and the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society will lay thrust on the timely screening of every expectant mother with the objective of eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis. The decision was taken at a coordination meeting between the NHM and the AIDS control society held here.

“The aim of joint efforts is to ensure timely screening of every expectant mother and provide them with necessary care and support. This initiative will serve as a strong step towards the prevention of HIV and syphilis in the state,” said Pradeep Kumar, Mission Director, NHM, who chaired the meeting. Rajeev Kumar, Project Director, AIDS control society, also attended the meeting.

Emphasis was laid on ensuring regular screening of all expectant mothers, especially at health institutions, besides developing a strategy to conduct testing of women, who deliver at home. Besides, deliberations were held on strengthening information, education and communication activities to raise public awareness.

The primary aim of the meeting was to further strengthen coordination between the two agencies to ensure early identification and effective management of HIV and syphilis among expectant mothers. The meeting emphasised on the need for coordination between the NHM and the AIDS control society, besides other related departments to make significant progress in eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis in the state.