2023-08-01 09:09:54
Discovering GenXpert, it is a device that allows the early detection of children born to HIV-positive mothers for better pediatric care.
It is essential to remember that the HIV unit of UNICEF supports the government of Chad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, in the implementation and expansion of the PMTCT program (Prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child).
With this in mind, a media mission, initiated jointly by the Ministry of Communication and UNICEF, went to Moundou from July 24 to 28. During this visit, the team went to the virology unit of the laboratory of the provincial hospital of Moundou, where the GenXpert device is installed.
This device is used for early screening of children born to HIV-positive mothers, but also to detect the presence of Covid-19, tuberculosis and even hepatitis C. Although progress has been made in screening women HIV-positive pregnant women and their follow-up, pediatric care remains a major challenge. To address this weakness, UNICEF, with the support of the Global Fund, equipped the provincial hospital of Moundou in 2021 with the GenXpert device, thus strengthening the screening of exposed children and improving the pediatric care of infected children. .
Danzabé Pakagne Olivier, a senior laboratory technician at the provincial hospital in Moundou, pointed out that this device makes it possible to accurately quantify the quantitative and early viral load in children born to HIV-positive mothers.
“We first receive the samples taken in the health districts or provincial health centres, then the samples are sent to the HIV focal point, who sends them to us here. Once analyzed, we send the results back to him so that he can distribute them to the various collection centres,” he explained.
The objective of the PMTCT program is to prevent HIV transmission among children born to HIV-positive mothers. The test is carried out two weeks following birth, thus allowing these children to benefit from a chance of survival. Without adequate pediatric care, these children risk dying before their second birthday.
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