RESUMO
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Sudan is 1.6-6.0%. With the advent of peace, the disease is expected to be on the rise. The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in pregnant Sudanese women so as to prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission. In a pilot study conducted at antenatal clinics in 5 Sudanese Teaching Hospitals, five teams were trained in the basic skills of counseling, diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS. Rapid Test [Uni-gold HIV-1/HIV-2], Serodia HIV-1/2, and Western blot [INNP-LIA HIV-1/2 SCORE] tests were used. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS was found to be 0.8%. This pilot study led to establishment of seven Antenatal clinics for prevention of mother_to-child transmission in different parts of the country. Qualified teams composed of an Obstetrician, Paediatrician, pharmacist, Social worker, Health visitor, midwife, Laboratory Technician and a counselor provided counseling, testing and management for pregnant women and children of HIVpositive mothers. 57793 pregnant women attended antenatal clinics during the period August 2007-August 2008. Out of these 25941 [44.9%] were counseled; however only 5959 [23.0%] accepted to be tested for HIV. 39 positive cases were found, making the prevalence rate of 0.65%. Patients were managed and the babies were given antiretroviral treatment. Breast feeding was advised. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is about 1.6-6% in the country, it is still low in pregnant women. A great effort should be done on Voluntary Counseling and Testing [VCT]; and effective preventive measures should be taken