Towards reducing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV.

Women of child bearing age in Africa are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, and this has led to an increase in the number of paediatric HIV infections reported due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. Various approaches to prevent or reduce MTCT have been established. These include elective Caesarean section delivery, avoidance of breastfeeding and antiretroviral therapy. For these strategies to be put in place, effective voluntary and confidential HIV counseling and testing for pregnant women should be implemented in African countries. Prevention of MTCT should also be considered as part of the wider management of maternal and infant health during prenatal, delivery and postnatal care. This review attempts to bring into focus the various strategies for a reduction in MTCT with special emphasis on the problems encountered in Africa. Key Words: HIV, Reducing perinatal transmission Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 2002; 29: 55-60