PEPFAR Partner Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Distributes Critical Medical Supplies with American VIPs

PEPFAR Partner Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Distributes Critical Medical Supplies with American VIPs

Visiting representatives from PEPFAR-funded Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Ugandan singer/songwriter Sylver Kyagulanyi, and PEPFAR Communications Officer Lynne McDermott distributed medical supplies for HIV-positive pregnant women in Mukono District last week.

The kits represent one aspect of EGFAF’s efforts throughout the world to eradicate pediatric HIV and AIDS. An estimated 1,000 children are infected with HIV every day, most as a result of mother-to-child transmission of the virus. In the areas hardest hit by the virus, a lack of basic health supplies necessary during childbirth often increases the risk of infection in newborn babies.

In Uganda, pregnant women are often expected to purchase their own blankets, rubber gloves, gauze, and other supplies, or go without them during labor. It is because of this unfortunate reality that the EGPAF teamed with Disney to create “Generation Free Kits” – boxes filled with plastic sheeting, rubber gloves, gauze, medicine dispensers for babies, blankets, clothing, diapers, and other vital supplies.

EGPAF is funded by PEPFAR. Since 2000, EGPAF is providing more than 1.68 million women in Uganda with critical PMTCT services in more than 400 sites in 27 districts, primarily in the country’s southwestern region. EGPAF also provides care, treatment, and psychosocial support for people living with HIV, as well as support to the Ministry of Health for the improvement of maternal and child health services.

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[http://www.pedaids.org/News/Foundation-News/Press-Release/Foundation-Representatives-and-Musician-Sylver-Kya.aspx]