KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND UTILIZATION OF PREVENTION OF MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION SERVICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN AT PLATEAU STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, JOS

📄 Project Abstract

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic is one of the most serious health crises the world is facing today. A disproportionate burden has been placed on women and children, who in many settings continue to experience high rate of new HIV infections and HIV related illnesses and death (Federal Ministry of Health, 2013). Knowledge of HIV status is vital in order that pregnant women access the appropriate treatment and care for themselves and their unborn infants (Mkwanazi et al, 2008). HIV Testing and counselling of pregnant women is essential because of the premium placed on children as objects of parental hope for future survival, and the acceptance of antenatal care, enhance the cultural endorsement of testing and counseling for PMTCT of HIV in antenatal settings. The aim of testing and counselling is to help the woman take necessary action to ensure that she does not become infected with HIV. However, if she is already infected, t...