Call for increased role of men in fight against AIDS timely

Experts, donors and health care practitioners from the region are, this week, meeting in Kigali, to discuss ways of promoting men involvement in the elimination of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (MTCT) of HIV AIDS.Prevention of Mother-To-Child-Transmission has been successful in the country with most children today born HIV-free.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Experts, donors and health care practitioners from the region are, this week, meeting in Kigali, to discuss ways of promoting men involvement in the elimination of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (MTCT) of HIV AIDS.

Prevention of Mother-To-Child-Transmission has been successful in the country with most children today born HIV-free.

But the rates can further be reduced and eliminated if men play a more active role.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, more than 70 per cent of Rwandan men accompany their pregnant wives for HIV/AIDS tests. Once parents know their status, chances are high that the babies will be AIDS-free.

Men are critical to the family and they should play an integral role in the well being of all the members of the family.

Traditional beliefs and ignorance tend to be the reasons why men leave maternal affairs and family matters to women.However, through increased sensitization, men will come on board. 

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