The transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child is
the main cause of HIV/AIDS in children and child mortality.
Two-thirds of children with HIV/AIDS are infected
in the intrapartum period (Farley, 2000:1 -2). Midwives,
through effective practices, can lower the transmission
of HIV/AIDS from mother to child in the intrapartum
period. The aim of the study was to determine which
preventive practices registered midwives in provincial
labour wards in Bloemfontein, implement to lower the
risk of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS and in
doing so to lower child mortality.
A descriptive research design was used. Fifty-one midwives
completed questionnaires to determine what preventive
practices are used.
The study showed that most of the midwives did not
implement the interventions that could lower the
chances of HI V/Aids transmission from mother to child
during the intrapartum period. Midwives therefore may
not have a positive impact on child mortality. The researchers
concluded that midwives do not implement
the interventions mentioned in the study because of a
lack of knowledge and skills. Of the midwives who completed
questionnaires, 67% completed their training
between 1990 and 2000. This lack of knowledge may be
due to a lack in the curriculum of training institutions
and of an up-to-date policy concerning the transmission
o f HIV/Aids in p ro v in c ia l in s titu tio n s in
Bloemfontein.
It is recommended that all affordable interventions
should be incorporated in the policy.Health Studie