Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - September 11, 2006
Its website said the rate dropped from 102 to 82 deaths for every 1 000 births.
This comes at a time when the country has reduced its HIV prevalence rate from 20,1% to 18,1% in the age groups of child-bearing women.
Health and Child Welfare Minister David Parirenyatwa said the latest Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey showed the country had managed to cut down on children's deaths in the past six years.
"We are very happy about this for it shows that some of our efforts are paying off," he said.
Testing for HIV prior to falling pregnant, as well as during pregnancy, and opting for the prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme, had been major contributions to healthy children.
Under the PMTCT programme, a drug is administered to a mother during labour while the child is also given the same drug at birth to minimise their chances of getting infected with the virus.
"More and more people are choosing to know their HIV status before having babies unlike in the past," the minister said.
Antiretroviral treatment for children is also now available in the country -- a factor that has seen many HIV-positive children surviving beyond the age of five.
060911
SA060916
Copyright © 2006 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .