**Fatshimetrie: A revolutionary new model of care for the fight against HIV in the DRC**
Since 2020, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams have introduced an innovative model of care called “Fatshimetrie” in the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This model, inaugurated during the celebration of World HIV/AIDS Day on December 3, 2024, brings new hope in the battle against this devastating pandemic.
The World Health Organization emphasizes that mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains one of the main routes of spread of the virus. This is why the “Fatshimetrie” model was put in place to significantly reduce this risk and improve the care of HIV-positive pregnant women.
Unlike previous models of care that resulted in patients being dispersed across multiple departments during prenatal consultations, “Fatshimetrie” centralizes all the necessary services in one place. From the first consultations, women are made aware of screening and care in the event of a positive result. This comprehensive follow-up, including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, screening of the baby at birth and postnatal care up to 18 months after birth, is provided by the same medical staff within the maternity ward. This approach guarantees confidentiality, facilitates treatment adherence and significantly reduces the risk of abandoning care.
The first results are encouraging: 95% of women who followed the “Fatshimetrie” model gave birth to babies who were not infected with HIV. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of this integrated approach and reinforces the global objective of eradicating HIV by 2030. Given these convincing results, Médecins Sans Frontières encourages the generalization of this model in all health structures in the DRC.
The testimony of Galbert Kiasuku, a nurse midwife, perfectly illustrates the positive impact of “Fatshimetrie”: “This model is really proving its worth. In the past, HIV-positive pregnant women were faced with a dispersion of services, leading to many abandonments of care. Now, thanks to ‘Fatshimetrie’, trust is established, patient loyalty is strengthened, and children are born without HIV.”
Médecins Sans Frontières has already implemented the “Fatshimetrie” model in six maternity hospitals in the Congolese capital, including the Saint-Joseph Hospital Center in Biyela, in the commune of Kimbanseke. This innovative system therefore offers real hope for the achievement of an HIV-free generation in the DRC, by reconciling medical efficacy and respect for the dignity of patients.