The School of Nursing at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus has launched a potentially life-saving community engagement project aimed at supporting pregnant women living with HIV/Aids and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

 “Gestational diabetes and HIV/Aids pose significant health risks to pregnant women and their unborn children. This project aims to empower women and enhance collaborative care,” explains the project leader, Dr Edith Bam.

The initiative addresses the dual challenges faced by pregnant women who are often unaware of the implications of having both conditions.

The International Diabetes Federation reports that approximately 14% of pregnancies worldwide are affected by GDM, with even higher rates among women living with HIV/Aids. The risk of developing GDM increases for those with HIV, while GDM may worsen HIV outcomes due to immune system effects.

Pregnant women with both conditions often experience challenges such as inadequate healthcare access and stigma, which can lead to complications during pregnancy. The project seeks to raise awareness about this.

According to the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission guidelines, antiretroviral therapy (ART) should begin on the same day a woman is diagnosed with HIV. However, some women are diagnosed with GDM after starting ART, leading to complications such as insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control.

“We must explore the interactions between antiretroviral medications and GDM treatments to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes,” says Dr Bam, explaining that the project will engage communities to monitor the well-being of pregnant women and their responses to ART and anti-diabetic medications.

“Plans include continuous engagement with local radio stations and partnerships with clinics and schools to implement the planned activities effectively. Empowering pregnant women with the knowledge and resources they need is vital for improving their health and the health of their children,” she adds.

The initiative aims to achieve specific goals by 2026, including ensuring that 95% of pregnant women with HIV/Aids and GDM initiate ART during pregnancy and reducing mother-to-child transmission rates to below 5%.

The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

By fostering community partnerships and improving access to healthcare services, the initiative seeks to enhance the overall health outcomes for pregnant women living with HIV/Aids and GDM.

Dr Edith Bam