Chad Makes Strides in Combating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

In Chad, an estimated 65,000 women over the age of 15 were living with HIV in 2023. According to the latest UNAIDS report, the HIV prevalence rate among women aged 15 to 49 was 1.3%. To combat this, the Government of Chad launched the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) Programme in 2005. The initiative aims to protect children born to HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Significant Progress in HIV Care

Overall, indicators of HIV care for mothers and children have shown significant improvement. The mother-to-child transmission rate in Chad dropped from 29% in 2012 to 19% in 2023. By 2023, according to the UNAIDS report, 91,000 HIV-exposed children had tested negative for the virus, and 1300 new infant infections had been prevented through the efforts of the PMTCT Programme. In 2015, these figures were 82,000 and 1100, respectively.

“We’re proud of this progress,” says Dr. Hassan Ndengar, HIV focal point for the southern district of N’Djamena. “PMTCT really saves lives. Children are the strength of a country, and they represent the future generation. That is why we must invest in them and look after their health.” Dr. Ndengar emphasizes that prevention is key. “We know that if we screen pregnant women, we can reduce the transmission rate. From there, we can break the chain of infection and lower the prevalence within the population.”

Support from WHO

Providing care for pregnant women is central to Chad’s efforts to prevent and control HIV/AIDS. Midwives, doctors, and paramedics play a pivotal role in this fight. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided technical and financial support to strengthen their capacity. This support includes the development of national guides and guidelines, as well as the implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure the effectiveness of these efforts.

In collaboration with the Sector-wide HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programme, 750 healthcare workers have been trained in recent years on the comprehensive management of HIV and hepatitis. “We learned that HIV/AIDS testing is a must for all women who come for antenatal consultations,” says Judith Haltebaye, a midwife and one of the trained workers. “From the very first contact, we must ensure they understand the importance of being screened.” If the initial test is positive, a confirmatory test is conducted. Women who test positive are then provided with free, comprehensive care, including counseling and antiretroviral medicines (ARVs).

Impactful Treatment

Antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) save lives and give people living with HIV the hope of a brighter future. In 2023, 7700 pregnant women in Chad required ARV treatment, and 70% of them received it, up from 64% in 2022. The care provided by healthcare teams has profoundly changed lives. Take the case of Menodjie, for example. “These medicines have given me back my strength,” she says. “Before, I couldn’t lift anything, not even a cup near me. Afterwards, the delivery went well, and my daughter was born without the virus.”

The success of the PMTCT Programme and its achievements, particularly the majority of children being born HIV-free, are transforming attitudes and building trust. “We’ve seen many HIV-positive women confidently commit to another pregnancy because they know their baby will be healthy if they follow the protocol,” says Judith Haltebaye. “They come back to us because they received proper care. Thanks to PMTCT, we’re saving a lot of lives, and I’m very proud of that.”

Integrating Health Services

In collaboration with the Government, WHO is engaged in resource mobilization, particularly through the Global Fund, and supports the revision of standards and guidelines, the enhancement of diagnostic tools, and the strengthening of data management systems. Beyond addressing HIV, WHO is working to integrate the control of hepatitis B and syphilis into the PMTCT Programme, as well as into maternal, neonatal, and child health services.

“This programme, which addresses three critical diseases affecting mothers and children, will enable us to improve maternal and child health, reduce mortality rates, strengthen the health system, and uphold human rights,” said Dr. Blanche Anya, WHO Representative in Chad. “This approach is vital because it places the patient at the centre of interventions. We are working to promote health for all.”

Achievements Against the 95-95-95 Targets

Chad has made significant progress toward achieving the 95-95-95 targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for HIV testing, treatment, and viral load suppression. In 2023, 71% of people living with HIV in Chad knew their status, and 86% of those were on ARV treatment compared to just 47% and 70%, respectively, in 2015. Data on the third target, viral load suppression, were not available.

Hope for the Future

In N’Djaména, months after the birth of her daughter, Menodjie continues her treatment. For her, life has returned to a normal pace, almost making her forget the virus she’s living with. “I feel good today, and my children are healthy too,” she says. “I still remember how happy I was when I heard my daughter’s results. Knowing that she is healthy is a great relief, which I wish for all people living with HIV because every mother in the world wants the best for her child.”

Chad’s progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV is a testament to the effectiveness of community education, comprehensive healthcare, and sustained government support. As these efforts continue, the future looks brighter for both mothers and their children.

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