How can MTCT be prevented (PMTCT)?

How can MTCT be prevented (PMTCT)?

Effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) requires a three-fold strategy.^{3 4}

• Preventing HIV infection among prospective parents - making HIV testing and other prevention interventions available in services related to sexual health such as antenatal and postpartum care.
• Avoiding unwanted pregnancies among HIV positive women - providing appropriate counseling and support to women living with HIV to enable them to make informed decisions about their reproductive lives.
• Preventing the transmission of HIV from HIV positive mothers to their infants during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding.
• Integration of HIV care, treatment and support for women found to be positive and their families.

The last of these can be achieved by the use of antiretroviral drugs, safer infant feeding practices and other interventions.