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

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. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine Vol. 8 (1) 2007: pp. 15-1