Use of ARVs for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT)

Mother-to-child transmission is responsible for more than 90% of HIV infection in children and at least two thirds of such infections occur during pregnancy and delivery whilst the remainder occur during breastfeeding. It is therefore critical to identify HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women and manage them appropriately.

All mothers whether known to be infected with HIV or not should exclusively breastfeed their infants (no mixed feeding) for the first 6 months of life, introducing safe, adequate and nutritious complementary foods thereafter, with continued breastfeeding up to 24 months and beyond.