Increasing the scope and intensity of interventions to prevent HIV infection in infants: Best interests of women and children.

Document Type

Article

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)

Abstract

Key messages: • There is a mismatch between the HIV prevention needs of children and the quality and scope of prevention of mother-tochild transmission (PMTCT) services. • Although near-elimination of paediatric HIV has taken place in many settings, PMTCT programmes in Africa have little impact so far. • Given that it is in the child's best interests to detect exposure to HIV shortly after birth and to institute preventive interventions, routine HIV testing may be justified for all infants born to women of unknown HIV status. • HIV testing for women at child health and immunisation clinics would enable more women to benefit from knowing their status and to receive infant feeding counselling and support.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS