Born HIV Free

Bornhivfree

Born HIV Free is a global campaign initiated with the goal of eliminating the transmission of HIV from mother to child. Launched by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the campaign aimed to raise awareness and funds to support its mission of ensuring that all children are born free from HIV. This initiative represents a critical step in the global fight against AIDS, as mother-to-child transmission is one of the primary ways the virus is spread.

Background

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. Without intervention, the likelihood of HIV transmission from an infected mother to her child ranges from 15% to 45%. However, with appropriate medical interventions, including the administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to the mother during pregnancy and to the newborn after birth, this risk can be reduced to below 5%.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Born HIV Free campaign was to mobilize international and national support to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. This involved:

• Increasing access to antiretroviral therapy for pregnant women living with HIV.
• Enhancing prenatal and postnatal care to monitor and support the health of both mother and child.
• Raising public awareness about the importance of PMTCT services and the availability of treatment options.
• Securing funding to support the expansion of PMTCT programs globally.

Strategies

To achieve its objectives, the Born HIV Free campaign employed several strategies:

• Collaboration with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to implement and expand PMTCT programs.
• Utilization of media and public events to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes.
• Engagement with communities to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, encouraging pregnant women to seek PMTCT services.

Impact

The Born HIV Free campaign contributed to significant progress in the fight against mother-to-child transmission of HIV. By increasing awareness and funding, more women had access to the lifesaving treatments necessary to prevent the transmission of HIV to their children. The campaign played a role in the global reduction of new HIV infections among children and moved the world closer to the goal of an AIDS-free generation.

Challenges

Despite its successes, the Born HIV Free campaign faced several challenges, including:

• Ensuring consistent and long-term access to antiretroviral therapy for all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.
• Overcoming cultural, social, and economic barriers that prevent women from accessing PMTCT services.
• Addressing the shortage of healthcare workers trained to provide PMTCT services.

Conclusion

The Born HIV Free campaign was a pivotal initiative in the global effort to end the transmission of HIV from mother to child. While challenges remain, the campaign's legacy continues to inspire and inform ongoing efforts to ensure that every child is born HIV free.