The Dream of an AIDS-free Generation

The achievement of an AIDS-free generation is possible when HIV services are offered to pregnant and breastfeeding women. This dream is evident in the testimony of mother who have been enrolled in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) at the Kingasani Hospital Center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—a facility supported by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF).

These are their stories.

I Felt Such a Huge Joy

My name is Pauline.* When I got pregnant, I began antenatal care here at the Kingasani Hospital Center. I attended a PMTCT education session and tested positive for HIV.

Honestly speaking, I considered that moment as the end of my existence in this world. I went through a serious depression and lost all hope. I felt my only place was the grave since I was dreaming about death.

Fortunately, the nurse, trained by EGPAF’s IHAP-Kinshasa project, provided me with a strong psychological support and encouraged me to start antiretroviral treatment (ART). They then connected me to a mentor mother for close psychological support. After many encouraging words from the nurse and the mentor mother, I accepted my HIV-positive status and began ART—to which I have strongly adhered. I did all my best to observe PMTCT-related recommendations.

When I was on the delivery bed, I reminded the nurse about my HIV status, asking her to carefully cut my baby’s umbilical cord to avoid HIV contamination during the delivery process. Upon delivery, my baby began taking Nevirapine [an antiretroviral medication that HIV-exposed infants are given as a precaution]. And I continued taking my own medication.

Forty-five days after my baby’s birth, I took her back to the Hospital Center for HIV testing—and then again after 9 months and at 18 months. The results for all these early testing have been negative.

I was very happy when I learned that my daughter is free of HIV. I felt such a huge joy that I bought soft drinks to healthcare providers.

This Has Erased Any Doubt

My name is Therese.* After I became pregnant, I went to the Kingasani Hospital Center for antenatal care, where I tested positive for HIV. This was not a surprise to me, since I already knew that I am living with HIV. Yet I doubted that I could have an HIV-free child. After receiving PMTCT education sessions, I fully adhered to medical recommendations and then delivered a boy, who is now 3 years old. He tested negative for all periodic HIV tests while he was breastfeeding.

“Now people are convinced that an AIDS-free generation is possible through adherence to PMTCT programs.”

Eighteen months after he was born, I became pregnant again and was again enrolled in the PMTCT program, where I continued to respect medical recommendations, leading to the birth to an HIV-free daughter. I am very joyful for having two HIV-free children. This has erased any doubt I still had about the benefit of PMTCT programs. Now people are convinced that an AIDS-free generation is possible through adherence to PMTCT programs.

The Nurse Told Me Not to Lose Hope

My name is Christine.* During my antenatal care consultation, I participated in a PMTCT education session, during which I was tested for HIV, with a positive result. I became depressed and lost all hope for life on this earth. I begged the nurse to abort my pregnancy because it made no sense for me to have a child who would be infected with HIV and sentenced to suffer.

A nurse told me not to lose hope about my life expectancy. She said that HIV is no longer a death sentence. Further, she said that if I continue to attend antenatal care, I would receive advice, care, and treatment that would keep me safe and allow me to give birth to an HIV-free infant.

“I am proud and full of a huge joy to be a mother.”

Even after delivery, if you adhere to treatment and observe what health care providers tell you at the facility and also what your peers tell you during support group meetings, you will keep healthy,” the nurse told me.

I followed the nurse’s advice and was proud to deliver an HIV-free baby boy. I am proud and full of a huge joy to be a mother.

The Dream Has Become a Reality

My name is Helene.* I already knew my HIV-positive status, so I just took a routine HIV test when I started antenatal care, and I was enrolled within the PMTCT program. My daughter is HIV-free, removing any doubt that I had when healthcare providers told me that an HIV-positive mother can give birth to an HIV-free infant. The dream has become a reality for me. Many thanks to all individuals who contributed in this outcome.