Pregnant women have infected over 1000 kids with HIV/AIDs due to neglect of medication - Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin

The President of the Ghana AIDS Network (GHANET), Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has revealed that over 1,000 children in Ghana have been infected with HIV/AIDS as a result of their mothers neglecting to take prescribed antiretroviral medication during pregnancy.

Speaking on the findings from the latest national HIV report on GTV, Mr. Ortsin expressed deep concern over the preventable nature of these infections, noting that the failure of expectant mothers to adhere to treatment guidelines continues to undermine the country’s progress in the fight against mother-to-child transmission.

According to Mr. Ortsin, Ghana’s health system provides free antiretroviral drugs for pregnant women living with HIV, making the situation even more alarming. He explained that with proper medical adherence, the risk of transmission from a mother to her unborn child can be reduced if they take their medications serious.

However, he attributed the recent surge to misinformation, stigma, and fear among expectant mothers, which cause many to skip hospital visits or discontinue their medication. He described this trend as heartbreaking, especially when the infections could have been completely avoided.

Mr. Ortsin called on health authorities, community leaders, and civil society organizations to intensify education and outreach programs that address stigma and encourage early testing and treatment. He emphasized that preventing mother-to-child transmission must remain a national priority, as each case represents a child condemned to a lifetime of medical challenges. He concluded by urging pregnant women living with HIV to seek continuous medical care and follow treatment plans strictly, assuring them that adherence can ensure the birth of HIV-free babies.