HIV/AIDS

IV dripWhile the DR Congo is fortunate to have a lower incidence of HIV/AIDS infection than many African countries (approximately 4% by 2003 data, the most recent available), the problem is not insignificant. The first challenge is diagnosis. Currently, diagnostic tests can be provided for about one dollar each. To test those in the CEUM health system who most need screening -- pregnant mothers and blood donors -- would require approximately $30,000 per year, an amount that is beyond the reach of the CEUM even with our annual pharmaceutical subsidy.

The first priority is pregnant women. If a woman is diagnosed as HIV-positive, she is treated during labor with the medication Nevirapine, which is also given to her child immediately after birth. Nevirapine has been shown to reduce the incidence of mother-to-child transmission by as much as 75%.

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