A total of 300 expectant mothers from Association Impore are set to benefit from ‘mama kits’ donated by Airtel Rwanda in an effort to help reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission.

The telecom partnered with Kacyiru Police Hospital and Imbuto Foundation to donate mama kits to expectant mothers as an incentive to ensure that they attend all prenatal check-ups and aid the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

The mothers received cash and ‘mama kits.’ A mama kit is an all-in-one kit containing plastic sheeting, blades, cotton wool, gauze pad, soap, gloves, cord ties, a child health card and an instruction sheet, needed to provide a clean and safe delivery.

Addressing mothers at Kacyiru Police Hospital, in Gasabo District, yesterday Teddy Bhullar, the Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, said the donation was aimed at supporting the global campaign against HIV/Aids.

"As the country marks World Aids Day, Airtel recognises the need to support mothers. We believe this is a step toward reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission,” he said.

The telecom firm also contributed Rwf3 million to help provide various necessities of HIV-positive mothers.

Jackline Musonera, the representative of Imbuto Foundation at the hospital, said they would carry out sensitisation campaigns among HIV-positive expectant mothers.

She said expectant mothers are supposed to be tested four times during pregnancy, which has always been hindered by insufficient funds, adding that the financial assistance from Airtel will go a long way in easing this problem.

Speaking on behalf of the mothers from Association Impore, Daphrose Mushimiyimana, the association president, commended Airtel for the donation and pledged the group’s continued support in the fight against HIV.

"We are glad for the contribution as an association of mothers living with HIV. We will use the support to make sure no child gets the virus at birth. The money is also going to help us sensitise the other women so they go for early antenatal care,” Mushimiyimana said.

World Aids Day is marked globally on December 1 and seeks to create awareness on the eradication of HIV/Aids. This year’s global theme was, "Focus, partner, achieve, an AIDS free generation”.