By:- Watimenla : HIV is transmitted to a child most of the time from infected parent(s). It can also be transmitted through blood and blood products and through sexual contact in case of abuse, but it can be assured that there is no possibility of HIV being passed to others when children eat together, play together, touch each other or sit together.
When the child is infected then HIV virus attacks the immune system in the body due to the virus, as time goes by the immune system grows weak and the child is vulnerable to a number of infections.
How HIV is transmitted to a child
· The virus can pass to the child when it develops in the mother’s uterus (intrauterine), at the time of birth
· During breastfeeding.
· Some children may receive blood or blood products for different health conditions. A child may be infected with HIV on receipt of contaminated blood of blood products.
Preventive measures
· If the mother is already on long term HIV medication (ART), then becomes pregnant, mother should not stop taking the medicines without consulting the doctor. The doctor may suggest changes in one or more the mother is taking.
· To decrease the chances of transmitting to a child, the mother should regularly visit her doctor in the Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission Center (PPTCT) in the government Hospital and deliver the child in the hospital. The treatment option includes a single dose of drug given to the mother at the time of delivery, followed by a single dose to the child within 72 hours of birth.
· Studies have shown that there is a 15% chance of passing on HIV to child through breastfeeding. The chance of transmission is increased when mixed feeding (formula and breastfeeding) is used or the mother chooses to breastfeed the child for longer than the recommended duration. NACO recommends exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months and abrupt weaning following 6 months.
Where can a child be tested for HIV
A child can be tested for HIV at any local government hospital offering voluntary HIV counselling and testing, where testing, guidance and support will be provided.
By getting the child tested, you can keep the child healthy with appropriate treatment and help the child lead a normal life. It is important that the child is taken to the specialist for regular follow-up. If referred by the specialist, visit the ART center for ART
What is an ART center
ART stands for Anti-Retroviral Therapy. ART centre is a comprehensive treatment centre providing ART and counselling support for people living with HIV/AIDS including children. These ART centres are at Kohima, Dimapur, Tuensang and Mokokchung civil hospitals.
· On each visit, a doctor will medically examine child and when required other medical test will also be undertaken. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the centre regularly. Treatment for other illness and referrals for complications will also be provided at the centre.
· ART are being provided free of cost, if the child is as per criteria set by NACO.
· Confidentiality relating to personal issues will be maintained. Some medical information may be shared with other staff in the medical team, for providing the best treatment to the child
Children infected with HIV can lead a healthy life by following these simple steps
· Take the child to the doctor regularly to prevent and cure infections.
· Ensure the child takes medicines regularly as prescribed by the doctor.
· Provide good nutrition.
· Encourage the child to maintain social interactions like playing, going to school and attending social functions.