curator
Administrator
The Ogun Government on Monday called on pregnant women to go for HIV and AIDS tests in order to curb the mother-to-child transmission of the disease.
The Director, AIDS and STIs Control in the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr Ranti Oladehinde, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Ijebu-Ode.
He said the early detection of the virus before delivery would go a long way in proffering solutions that can save the baby.
The transmission of HIV from the mother to the yet-to-be-born baby can be prevented through the use of anti-retroviral drugs.
"Mothers who patronise traditional midwives should try to go to the nearest Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Centre (PMTCT) for testing and anti-retroviral therapy," Oladehinde said.
He called for help in curbing the spread of HIV by using condoms or staying faithful to their partners, adding that abstinence is the best protection for unmarried individuals.
Also speaking, Mrs Modupe Olugbenga, a member of the Civil Society on HIV and AIDS, Ogun State chapter, said constant awareness was important.
"This will help to update people's knowledge about the spread of the virus," she said.
Olugbenga said reaching out to people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) was very important to curb stigmatisation.
She commended the state government and other organisations for providing support towards reducing the spread of the HIV and AIDS scourge through regular awareness programmes.
The Director, AIDS and STIs Control in the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr Ranti Oladehinde, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Ijebu-Ode.
He said the early detection of the virus before delivery would go a long way in proffering solutions that can save the baby.
The transmission of HIV from the mother to the yet-to-be-born baby can be prevented through the use of anti-retroviral drugs.
"Mothers who patronise traditional midwives should try to go to the nearest Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Centre (PMTCT) for testing and anti-retroviral therapy," Oladehinde said.
He called for help in curbing the spread of HIV by using condoms or staying faithful to their partners, adding that abstinence is the best protection for unmarried individuals.
Also speaking, Mrs Modupe Olugbenga, a member of the Civil Society on HIV and AIDS, Ogun State chapter, said constant awareness was important.
"This will help to update people's knowledge about the spread of the virus," she said.
Olugbenga said reaching out to people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) was very important to curb stigmatisation.
She commended the state government and other organisations for providing support towards reducing the spread of the HIV and AIDS scourge through regular awareness programmes.
