Cuba stops mother-to-child HIV and syphilis transmission!
Scientists in Cuba found a way to prevent mothers from ing syphilis and the HIV virus to their offspring’s. The small island became the first country in the world to stop this transmission. Globally, it is estimated that around 1.4 million women with HIV become pregnant ― stated the World’ Health Organization.
Scroll down and find out how this finding changes everything!
A huge milestone for humanity
“This is a celebration for Cuba and a celebration for children and families everywhere. It shows that ending the AIDS epidemic is possible and we expect Cuba to be the first of many countries coming forward to seek validation that they have ended their epidemics among children...”, said Michel Sidibé, executive director of UNAIDS.
Cuba’s health system allows for mothers to be diagnosed at a very early stage in their pregnancy. This new finding gives hope on someday creating a cure for a decease that has taken and affected so many people. In the past, most women who didn’t know they were sick had to live with guilt during and after the pregnancy. But, thanks to scientists in Cuba, children now have the opportunity to live.
Where American women stand
In the United States there is a health care act which helps women by providing free birth control. Sexually transmitted diseases could be prevented with the use of protection. Although a free universal healthcare is not available in the States, PAHO director, Dr Carissa F. Etienne mentions, “Cuba’s success demonstrates that universal access and universal health coverage are feasible and indeed are the key to success, even against challenges as daunting as HIV…”
During 2007, WHO launched a campaign targeted for the prevention of congenital syphilis. The strategic action aims to increase access for syphilis testing and treatments on pregnant women. According to the site “By 2014, more than 40 countries were testing 95% or more of pregnant women in prenatal care for syphilis. But although progress has been made, many countries have still to prioritize preventing and treating mother-to-child transmission of syphilis. In 2012, syphilis affected 360 000 pregnancies through stillbirths, neonatal deaths, prematurity, and infected babies.”
Take a look at this video that talks about how Cuba ended the mother-to-child transmission.
Without a doubt, Cuba’s finding will have a positive effect on humanity. This milestone serves as hope for a world that’ll one day be 100% disease free. Women who may have been rapped, now have the opportunity to carry their babies without any worries.
What are your thoughts on this medical advance on HIV and syphilis?
If you found this post interesting discover in more depth, ways to prevent pregnancies!