HIV Project at the Mother and Newborn Hospital, Vientiane
Protect unborn babies, newborns and infants of HIV-positive mothers
The Prevention of Transmission of HIV from Mother to Child (PMCT) project is based at the Mother and Newborn Hospital (MNH) in Vientiane. It has been supported by the Swiss Laos Hospital Project for many years and aims to prevent the transmission of HIV from infected mothers to their children during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
Important progress has been made through a combination of medical care, education and preventive measures. Over 12,000 women were tested for HIV infection at the MNH in Vientiane in 2024. HIV infection was detected in almost 1 percent of the tests. The affected families immediately receive the necessary antiretroviral medication in close cooperation with the special HIV consultation.
Thanks to the support of the SLHP, the affected families receive close medical and psychosocial care and advice at the MNH until their children are born. Even after the birth, these families are supported for a maximum of one year with medication, powdered milk for the newborns and counseling sessions.
Our Commitment
The Swiss Laos Hospital Project supports the established activities of the highly motivated team at the Mother and Newborn Hospital in agreement with the national Center for HIV/AIDS (CHAS) of the Laotian Ministry of Health.
The local team is trained to advise and support the women and families concerned effectively and in accordance with the latest guidelines. The requirements of the Laotian authorities to test every pregnant woman for HIV and other diseases have thus been implemented. The aim of the tests is to identify HIV-infected women in the early stages of their pregnancy and to be able to offer them the necessary antiretroviral medication on site.
In recent years, the majority of HIV tests in Laos have been provided by international organizations such as the Global Fund. The medication is also free of charge for the people concerned, as are the necessary tests.
However, in view of the global cuts in support services for countries such as Laos, it is unclear how these programs can be continued. The Swiss Laos Hospital Project therefore has a special responsibility here to further reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV and and improve the future of affected families.
HIV Prevention – the Origin of the SLHP
When MD Dr. Urs Lauper visited Laos for the first time in 1999, he had a clear goal in mind: he wanted to launch an information campaign to stem the spread of the HIV virus.
Today, the Swiss Laos Hospital Project has a much broader range of tasks. But we have never lost sight of this original goal, as the people affected are still subject to stigmatization and exclusion.
Transmission of HIV from the mother to her child can be effectively prevented by modern antiretroviral medication before and after birth and by a caesarean section. It is therefore crucial to detect an HIV infection in pregnant women at an early stage and to treat it as quickly as possible.
If medication is taken regularly, there is good protection against transmission to the newborn. However, the women and families affected need extended services and support beyond the birth of the child. To ensure this, a specialized, interdisciplinary team works at the Mother and Newborn Hospital: it not only carries out the HIV test, but also offers education, counselling and discussions up to the birth, a special setting during the birth, as well as care for the newborn.
Global Efforts to Combat HIV
The fight against HIV is a global challenge that is supported by numerous international organizations. The Global Fund, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are working intensively to contain the epidemic. They promote programs for prevention, treatment and education, particularly in countries with high HIV rates.
The Global Fund finances life-saving treatments and supports countries such as Laos in ensuring access to antiretroviral drugs. UNAIDS is working to raise awareness of HIV and counteract stigmatization. The WHO develops guidelines for treatment and prevention, while UNICEF focuses particularly on the protection of children and mothers.
Through these international efforts, significant progress has been made worldwide, such as the reduction of new infections and the improvement of the quality of life of those affected. The Swiss Laos Hospital Project remains a committed partner in these global efforts and is actively contributing to the fight against mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Laos.