Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV: Some Facts

• The number of HIV+ pregnant women receiving ARV prophylaxis increased from 10 per cent in 2004 to over 45 per cent in 2008. The pace must increase further to reach the goal of near elimination of HIV transmission by 2015.

• In 2008, 38% of the 730,000 children estimated to need ARV treatment in low and middle income countries had access.

• In 41 reporting low- and middle-income countries, only 15% of children born to mothers living with HIV were tested for HIV within the first two months of life.

• UNAIDS has called for a virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015. This is also a priority area for UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA.

• HIV is particularly aggressive in children and can quickly progress to severe disease and death. Without treatment, half of HIV+ children die before their second birthday.

• Women living with HIV cannot access prevention of mother to child transmission services if they do not know they are infected. Without it, a mother cannot be referred for ARV drugs and infant feeding counseling to protect her baby.

• Stigma continues to be a barrier to access and adherence to PMTCT. Family and spousal support is crucial to enable women to overcome this hurdle.