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Mother-to-child transmission of HIV
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HIV infection from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breastfeeding is called mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). An estimated 420 000 children were newly infected with HIV in 2007, the vast majority of them through MTCT. MTCT is almost entirely preventable where services are available, however, the coverage levels are remarkably low in most resource-limited countries. Global access to interventions to prevent HIV infections in infants was a key concern at the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in 2001, where the Member States committed to the goal of reducing the proportion of infants infected with HIV by 50% by the year 2010.
WHO has been working with partners to define and strengthen the normative guidance, policies and implementation of prevention, care and treatment of women and infants infected with HIV and AIDS.
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Latest updates
MTCT and ART guideline revisions
WHO is currently revising the MTCT and ART guidelines, and has released information on the revision process, including timelines, areas for review, relevant outcomes, and ideal recommendations.
MTCT guidelines revision process
ART guidelines revision process
30 September 2009
WHO has released a feature article on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
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22 July 2009
Evidence shows new drug combination dramatically reduces mother-to child transmission of HIV during breastfeeding.
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What is the latest research on MTCT in 2009?
MTCT is a fast evolving field with frequent new research data and programme experiences. The monthly intelligent reports, dating back to 2001, are an attempt to compile all related published articles.
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17-19 November 2008
New and emerging evidence on the use of antiretroviral drugs for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV was reviewed at a WHO expert consultation.
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