90 children graduate from HIV exposed infants program in Taita Taveta

At least 90 children from Taita Taveta County graduated from the HIV Exposed Infants (HEI) program, marking the successful completion of a two-year initiative aimed at safeguarding them from HIV transmission from their mothers.

The event celebrated not only the children's graduation but also the dedication of mothers who, under the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, ensured their babies were breastfed and weaned without contracting the virus.

Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo emphasised the County's commitment to providing quality healthcare services, highlighting the program's role in yielding positive health outcomes.

"The PMTCT program has brought new hope to HIV-positive mothers who desire to have children, as they no longer have to fear infecting their babies. We thank our mothers, the mentor mothers, healthcare workers, and our partners for their collaborative efforts in ensuring our children live healthy lives," said the Deputy Governor.

Health Services CCO Violet Mkamburi, at Voi KMTC addressing the mothers who managed to breastfeed and wean for two years without infecting their children. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Gifton Mkaya hailed the program as a success in reducing mother-to-child transmissions, attributing its achievements to the mothers' adherence to guidelines.

"The dedication of these mothers in breastfeeding and weaning their babies safely has ensured these children can live healthy lives, free from HIV," Mkaya affirmed.

Health Services CCO Violet Mkamburi announced the transition of mothers from PMTCT to the Comprehensive Care Program (CCP), ensuring continued healthcare support and infection monitoring.

Health Services Director Elvis Mwandawiro urged society to embrace people living with HIV, citing advancements in treatment that enable them to lead normal lives.

"The stigma against HIV-positive mothers has decreased as these programs provide them with tools and support to safeguard their children," Mwandawiro said.

Some of the children who graduated earlier today. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

County AIDS and STIs Coordinator Charity Mwabili highlighted progress in reducing mother-to-child transmissions, with a current PMTCT rate of 8.6 per cent against the national rate of five per cent. She emphasised ongoing efforts to achieve the national goal of less than five per cent transmission.

"We have implemented several strategies to decrease transmission from mother to child through community efforts, including mapping pregnant and lactating mothers. The collaboration with USAID Stawisha Pwani and other partners has been instrumental in achieving these milestones," Mwabili stated.

The graduation ceremony, supported by USAID Stawisha Pwani and Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya, not only celebrated achievements but also raised awareness about HIV prevention and treatment strategies.