Title: Faith-based communities partnering to combat mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

POPLINE Document Number: 195357

Author(s):

Mathai R
Doherty A
Jean-Francois D
Foti C

Source citation:

Global HealthLink, 2003 Mar-Apr;(120):10-11.

Abstract:

Though the scourge of HIV/AIDS is felt all over the developing world, few people feel the threat of the disease more acutely than expectant mothers. Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) is providing services for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV with Born to Live, a multi-year initiative to address PMTCT through partnerships with in-country faith-based institutions. Currently CMMB has PMTCT faith-based partnerships in southern and East Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Because faith-based institutions often serve as trusted havens, faith-based hospitals and clinics have provided for the health-care needs of local communities for years. In addition, faith- based facilities offer a substantial percentage of health-care services to those in need, particularly in rural areas. (excerpt)

Spanish Abstract:

Aunque el azote del VIH/SIDA se siente en todo el mundo en vías de desarrollo, pocos sienten la amenaza de la epidemia con mayor intensidad que las embarazadas. La Junta Católica de Misiones Médicas (CMMB, Catholic Medical Mission Board) provee servicios para la prevención de la transmisión vertical del VIH (PMTCT, prevention of mother-to-child transmission) junto con la campaña Born to Live (Nacido para vivir), una iniciativa que se extiende desde hace varios años para abordar esta clase de transmisión a través de asociaciones con instituciones locales basadas en la fe. En la actualidad la Junta Católica ha establecido asociaciones en el sur y este de África, América Latina y el Caribe. Hace años que los hospitales y las clínicas basadas en la fe atienden las necesidades de atención de la salud de las comunidades locales debido a que a menudo las instituciones con orientación religiosa actúan como refugios confiables. Además, estos centros ofrecen un porcentaje considerable de servicios de atención de la salud a las personas necesitadas, en especial en las zonas rurales. (extracto)

Keywords:

Africa
Latin America
Caribbean
Mothers
Infant
Religion
Community-Based Distribution
Community Health Services
Mother-to-Child Transmission
HIV Prevention
Developing Countries
Americas
Parents
Family Relationships
Family Characteristics
Family and Household
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Nonclinical Distribution
Distributional Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Diseases
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases