Seroprevalenc of hivaids among pregnant sudanese women

Abstract EN

Background/Aim: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Sudan is 1.6-6.0%.

With the advent of peace, the disease is expected to be on the rise.

The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in pregnant Sudanese women so as to prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission.

Methods: In a pilot study conducted at antenatal clinics in 5 Sudanese Teaching Hospitals, five teams were trained in the basic skills of counseling, diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS.

Rapid Test (Uni-gold HIV-1/HIV-2), Serodia HIV-1/2, and Western blot (INNP-LIA HIV-1/2 SCORE) tests were used.

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS was found to be 0.8%.

This pilot study led to establishment of seven Antenatal clinics for prevention of mother–to-child transmission in different parts of the country.

Qualified teams composed of an Obstetrician, Paediatrician, pharmacist, Social worker, Health visitor, midwife, Laboratory Technician and a counselor provided counseling, testing and management for pregnant women and children of HIVpositive mothers.

Results: 57793 pregnant women attended antenatal clinics during the period August 2007-August 2008.

Out of these 25941 (44.9%) were counseled; however only 5959 (23.0%) accepted to be tested for HIV.

39 positive cases were found, making the prevalence rate of 0.65%.

Patients were managed and the babies were given antiretroviral treatment.

Breast feeding was advised.

Conclusions: Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is about 1.6-6 % in the country, it is still low in pregnant women.

A great effort should be done on Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT); and effective preventive measures should be taken.