THE JOURNEY TO ELIMINATION

By Melody Gwenyambira

There has been a major call for both parents to be involved since the baby making process does not involve the mother only, hence the term Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission seems discriminatory.

It has been however clarified that the term PMTCT comes in because naturally the mother is the one that can pass on the virus to the child even after it has been passed on to her by the father.

So what role can the father play?

When a woman suspects or knows that she is pregnant she is encouraged to book for an Ante Natal Care (ANC). The check should take place by 14 weeks of pregnancy or as soon as possible.

It is important that men should attend the ANC visits with their partners.

It is also during this time that the woman is tested for HIV. This will help you to plan the best future together, for yourselves, your baby and the rest of the family.

A story of a woman who was always miscarrying before her pregnancy had reached the third trimester comes to mind.

She miscarried three times and still continued to fall pregnant without finding out the real cause of the miscarriages.

He husband was always sick and a point where both the man and wife were bedridden came about.

The woman consulted her local service provider with the aim of getting an HIV test.

She encouraged her partner to come with her but he refused and she threatened to leave him.

When the woman got to the local clinic she saw her husband following behind.

At first the couple was hesitant but after receiving counselling they eventually made personal decisions to take the test.

Their worst fears were confirmed and the results came out positive.

A few months later, the woman was told her husband that she wanted them to try for another baby and they did.

With the advice and knowledge they had been imparted with, the couple now has a healthy two year-old son.

It all goes to show what a joint effort can do.

If you start the journey together why not finish it together?

Together we can eliminate new HIV infections in children and keep mothers alive.

 Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights a major concern

Just like it is your right to have decent accommodation and education it is also your right to advocate for the use of contraceptives in your sexual relationship.

Demystifying the stigma that a married woman cannot ask her husband to use protection is what we need to spear head if we are to eliminate new infections.

It is your right to use protection. This is part of your sex rights.

It is also your right to enjoy sex. Some people do not enjoy sex because they are afraid of contracting a sexually transmitted disease from their partner.

This makes sex boring and dull.

You should not have it when you are full of fear.

It is your right to feel secure when you are having sex.

Above all with rights come with responsibility.

Do not endanger your partner by engaging in risky behaviour.

Take them into consideration before you do anything that my put their life and health on the line.

Let us all stay safe and be disciplined like what the President is encouraging us to do.

Set a firm foundation for your sexual relationship and keep your partner safe!