AMREF UK

The introduction of PMTCT - a short course of antiretroviral therapy that prevents transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child - has been hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, a number of barriers hinder women from accessing PMTCT and abiding to PMTCT recommendations, including weak health systems and socio-cultural practices.

AMREF is working in one of Addis Ababa’s urban slums, Addis Ketema to help bring these vital services to the population.

AMREF aims to:

• Work with communities in Addis Ketema to improve the provision and increase the uptake of PMTCT services
• Generate greater awareness of HIV transmission, means of prevention and available services
• Help communities challenge the stigma and discrimination and gender issues surrounding HIV/AIDS
• Increase access to PMTCT services by training health workers to help provide high quality health care, and integrate these services with antenatal and postnatal health services to ensure all mothers are reached
• Strengthen referral networks between the community and providers of HIV preventive, care and support services to ensure those diagnosed are given correct care.