Imphal, August 05: The one year Nevirapine therapy pilot project launched in JN Hospital under the National AIDS Control Organization, NACO, has entered a crucial phase with the delivery of the first two babies by HIV positive mothers who are undergoing therapy under the project.

The two babies, one male and the other female were born in the month of June and were administered Nevirapine suspension within 72 hours after their birth.

Another five HIV positive mothers are also expected to deliver soon.

The two newly born babies are being kept under close watch under the supervision of the project coordinator, Dr Potsangbam Narendra Singh, superintendent of JN hospital and the project principal investigator, Dr T Rani Devi in connection with the feasibility study of using Nevirapine among HIV-infected positive women to reduce mother to child transmission of HIV.

Talking to IFP, Dr P Narendra disclosed that blood samples have been taken from the two babies and these would be sent to NIC, Calcutta for analysis.

Till the babies reach the age of six months, the project investigators would be continually testing their blood samples to check the functioning of their livers, kidneys and other bodily organs.

This is to be done to monitor the effect of Nevirapine therapy, he added.

He also said that the mother and the child are allowed to stay at their own home after the delivery, and they can also eat a normal diet.

They are called back to the hospital depending on the requirement, he said.

Dr Narendra said to have children from HIV is saving the future of Manipur and urged that pregnant women should be encouraged to visit the project.

A team of dedicated people, including doctors, nurses, social workers, computer experts and attendants is there to help them out in case of any difficulty free of cost, he said.

According to project records, a total of 118 pregnant women have visited the hospital till the end of July.

Of these, only 23 women agreed to take the HIV test.

Two of these were found positive.

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