{{Kigali, Rwanda. December 1, 2014}}. {A total of 300 expectant mothers from Association Impore are set to benefit from Mama kits donated by Airtel Rwanda in an effort to support the fight against AIDs. }
A Mama kit is an all-in-one kit containing everything needed to provide a clean and safe delivery containing plastic sheeting, blades, cotton wool, gauze pad, soap, gloves, cord ties, a child health card and an instruction sheet.
In line with this year’s theme to observe World AIDS day, Airtel Rwanda has joined hands with Kacyiru Police Hospital and Imbuto Foundation to donate Mama Kits to expectant mothers as an incentive to ensure that they attend all prenatal check-ups and aid the prevention of mother to child transmission of the virus.
Although the prevalence rate of AIDS in Rwanda remains stable, it is still a major killer in Africa and the world with an estimated 36 million people worldwide (1981-2013) said to be killed by the disease according to World Health Organisation. In addition, 35.5 million people are estimated to be living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues ever recorded in history.
Addressing the mothers at Kacyiru Police Hospital, Airtel Rwanda managing director, Mr. Teddy Bhullar expressed gratitude on behalf of airtel for being a part of the global campaign against AIDs. He said, “Although AIDS remains a global threat, we cannot give up on fighting the epidemic. As such, we at airtel happy to share our humble contribution of MAMA kits to encourage more mothers go for all their four antenatal visits and fasten the prevention of mother to child transmission.”
He added, “Airtel not only looks at the education as a key factor in the development of the country but we also look at health as one major factors and in our small way, we are happy to contribute to this on top of the bigger picture which is to achieve an AIDs free generation.”
Speaking on behalf of the mothers from Association Impore, Daphrose Mushimiyimana thanked airtel for contributing to the prevention of mother to child transmission which she highlighted was a huge step forward in the fight to achieve an AIDS free generation.
In her remarks she said, “MAMA kits are not just presents to the mothers but our hope is that they will act as incentives and attract these mothers to come and get proper healthcare during pregnancy and ensure that they give birth to healthy children who will not only be the future of this country but will also contribute to its development.”
Dr. Francois Sinayobye, speaking on behalf of the head of Kacyiru Police Hospital welcomed the contribution saying it is what most is needed by the expectant mothers not just to ensure healthy child-birth but to encourage them receive prenatal care.
According to the World Health organization, prevention of mother to child transmission has proved to be one of the most effective channels to an AIDS free generation. Rwanda and the global community have committed to accelerate the progress of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDs through an incentive with a goal to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections by 2015 and improve maternal newborn and child survival and health in the context of HIV.
This comes at a time when the world is marking the World AIDS Day, a global date that seeks to create awareness on the eradication of HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme is – Focus, Partner, Achieve, An AIDS free generation.
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