Abstract:
It is remarkable that we find ourselves at a point in
history where we can seriously consider the possibility of
virtual elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission
(MTCT). Effective antiretroviral strategies, carefully
honed through randomized clinical trials, provide the
means to almost entirely prevent the transmission of
HIV from an HIV-infected woman to her infant during
pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding - if started timeously
and sustained through the full period of risk.
Massive mobilization of governments, policy-makers,
health service managers, clinicians, researchers and communities
have led to implementation of Prevention of
Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) interventions
on an impressive scale. South Africa, which faces the
world’s highest adult HIV prevalence, has risen to the
challenge, also implementing the one of the world’s largest
antiretroviral drug treatment program. In so
doing, South Africa has made impressive gains in mitigating
the tragedy of its generalized and substantial HIV
epidemic.
