Increasing male engagement in the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV : what works in sub-Saharan Africa?

Abstract

Ending vertical transmission of HIV, or maternal-to-infant passage of HIV during pregnancy, labour, or postpartum, in sub- Saharan Africa will require innovations beyond current biomedical tools. Available evidence indicates that involvement of male partners in vertical transmission prevention programmes is such an innovation. Support from a male partner is associated with enhanced maternal HIV testing during pregnancy, increased initiation and adherence to maternal antiretroviral therapy, improved HIV communication and prevention among couples, and decreased vertical transmission, with attendant increase in HIV-free infant survival.