RESEARCHER FINDS PRIMARY HEALTHCARE REDUCES HIV INFECTIONS IN NEWBORNS

A groundbreaking research study by Walter Sisulu University’s, Dr Sisanda Siqithi, highlights the crucial connection between maternal HIV viral load levels and birth outcomes, emphasising the importance of continuous and effective healthcare interventions.

The WSU researcher and supervisor at the Outpatients Paediatrics Department at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital said the significance of primary healthcare in managing HIV is to ensure positive maternal and infant health outcomes.

In her research paper titled “The Effects Of Timing Of Maternal ART Therapy Initiation, CD4 Count And HIV Viral Load On Birth Outcomes In The Eastern Cape Province, South Africa” Siqithi investigates to understand the outcomes of babies born to mothers who receive ARV treatment during pregnancy.

“It is noteworthy that a low viral load in HIV-positive mothers significantly contributes to the birth of healthy babies, while a high viral load increases the risk of adverse outcomes. This emphasises the critical role of primary healthcare in ensuring positive maternal and infant health outcomes,” said Siqithi.

Siqithi added that in October 2023, she had the privilege of presenting her research findings from  at the esteemed European AIDS Conference held in Warsaw, Poland and this October she will be presenting it at the HIV Research For Prevention Conference in Lima, Peru.

“This represents significant growth and an expansion of my horizons. It serves as tangible evidence that aspirations can be realised through dedication and perseverance. Professionally, this opportunity will enhance my curriculum vitae and broaden my research expertise,” said Siqithi.

This conference is the only global scientific conference focused exclusively on the challenging and fast-growing field of HIV vaccines, microbicides, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment as prevention and biomedical interventions as well as their social and behavioural implications.

Siqithi said that the global community is astounded by the significant number of mothers and infants affected by HIV, as revealed by her research findings. These statistics represent only a fraction of the entire country's situation.

“I aim to determine the impact of ARV therapy on birth weight, gestational age, and the potential influence of the timing of Anti-Retroviral Therapy initiation on unborn babies. I am committed to advancing our knowledge in this field and contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for HIV-affected mothers and their children,” said Siqithi.

Siqithi intends to commence a research study on the efficacy of an anti-retroviral called Dolutegravir in paediatric patients, employing a retrospective approach. Currently, she is a sub-investigator in a study sponsored by Pfizer. It is a phase 1b  drug trial conducted by the Monti Clinical Research Centre.

“This opportunity presents a valuable platform for connecting with esteemed international researchers. It holds the potential to unlock doors for collaborative research endeavors with esteemed African and international researchers,” concluded Siqithi.

Siqithi envisions herself actively submitting and publishing her research findings in renowned international journals going forward.

By Anita Roji