Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission in Malawi
When Joyce Jalifu, a lifelong resident of Malawi’s Machinga District, became pregnant, her health began declining rapidly. Eventually she went to the nearest health center, where both she and her husband Dixon were diagnosed HIV-positive. They were immediately assigned an Expert Clinician (EC) — a community member who has been HIV-positive for many years and can serve as a support system for newly diagnosed individuals. Their EC and the hospital staff reassured them that if Joyce enrolled in HIV care and treatment, she could not only improve her health but also deliver an HIV-negative baby. At a district hospital pilot program supported by the Clinton Foundation, Joyce received a continuum of care under one roof: antiretroviral drug treatment (ART), an ante-natal clinic and diagnostics, community outreach, psychosocial support, and post-natal care and follow up. Dixon also provided his full support, making sure Joyce went to all her appointments regardless of what work had to be done or how she was feeling. Joyce went on to give birth to a healthy girl, Tamanda, who was and is still HIV-negative at age 18 months. And Joyce herself is healthy and able to care for her daughter.