HK J Paediatr (new series) 2002;7:107-111 Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV: The Asian/Thai Experience

Abstract There are at least 6 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific region. The numbers of HIV-infected women and children are increasing at an alarming rate. Important components that need to be addressed in order to successfully prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV include voluntary and confidential counselling and testing, family planning, obstetric care, antiretroviral use and infant feeding. There are many services that can aid in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the care of HIV-infected mothers and their children. Each country needs to take into account its HIV/AIDS epidemiology, its infrastructure and the available resources. Providing services in a stepwise manner can aid in the achievement of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Key words Asia; HIV; Mother-to-child During the past decade, the incidence of paediatric AIDS has risen steadily and has become an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality during childhood worldwide. Although the largest number of HIV-infected persons derives from sub-Saharan Africa, the annual incidence of HIV infection in Asia is increasing so fast that causes alarm