Readings 9/30/09

The possibility of mother to infant AIDs transmission most provoke the most helpless feeling in the mother, who carried this baby within herself for nine months just to have such high odds that as soon as it’s born, its life expectancy starts the countdown. When such intrinsic processes as breastfeeding are detrimental to the most precious members of the future, something must be done. But, as the article “Mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1: timing and implications for prevention” points out, breast feeding is almost vital to an infants growth, especially within the first six months, and alternatives are far too expensive for poor regions of the world. Also, I wanted to remark on the fact from the article that C-sections greatly decrease the possibility of transmission from mother to baby during birth. This is a great discovery, but also very dangerous and costly for many underdeveloped countries. Last of all, the multitude of medications suggested would be a great addition to the increase of the baby’s chances, but of course would cost a great deal and require funding from outside sources for all the areas of the world that cannot afford such technology. Who should provide this funding or the services to perform the C-sections or distribute medications? Does this responsibility rest on all equally? I find it fascinating and yet disgusting how so many people ignore such problems, and yet, here I am, going about my life and not so actively contributing to these people infected with HIV/AIDs. I am excited to learn how to help.