As part of the programme, Janssen would support the development of m-Maitri, an initiative to educate pregnant women on techniques to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. Based on the stage of their pregnancy, women will receive tailored voice messages to their mobile phones offering general advice and support on pregnancy as well as specific information about being pregnant and while HIV positive, according to a Janssen statement.
"By connecting directly with mothers, the m-Maitri platform offers a discreet way to share potentially lifesaving information. Through our partnership with SAATHII, we will work to ensure that accurate, up-to-date information is available and accessible to support these women throughout their pregnancy and beyond."
The initiative would target the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
"These two areas have high HIV burden and see less than a quarter of women give birth in a health facility. Nationally, more than a quarter of people living with HIV are not aware that they have the virus, due to sub-optimal testing", according to the statement.
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and Telangana. These two areas have high HIV burdens1 and see less than a quarter of women give birth in a health facility. Nationally, more than a quarter of people living with HIV are not aware that they have the virus, due to sub-optimal testing2. Approximately 1,000 pregnant women with HIV will be engaged through a network of 200 private healthcare facilities and will be offered support for two years. Evidence-based health education materials will be provided to the women and to healthcare workers at the facilities. The program will also enable easier and regular follow up with the women.
By collaborating with SAATHII in India, Janssen is
extending its commitment to addressing global unmet public health needs on a more focused and local basis. Such collaborations work to ensure solutions are appropriate for the region and that the needs of the community are understood so that the best outcome for patients are achieved. About Connect for Life(TM) Connect for Life(TM) is an initiative of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, that engages in research partnerships with leading health advocates to improve the understanding of, and attitudes towards, diseases such as HIV, TB and other infectious diseases.