Recommendations for reducing new HIV infectionsa

Recommendations for reducing new HIV infections

While seeking to optimize the timing and approach to HIV treatment in infants and children who have already been infected, WHO has made new recommendations with the objective of reducing and eventually eliminating new HIV infections in children.

Approximately 400 000 infants acquire HIV infection each year as a result of mother-to-child transmission. To reduce this risk WHO recommends that all women with HIV should receive antiretroviral drugs to protect against HIV transmission during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.

"We know what to do. Ending transmission of HIV from mothers to children is entirely achievable and must be a priority," said Jimmy Kolker, Chief of HIV and AIDS for UNICEF.

There is good evidence that earlier and more effective treatment can prevent nearly all mother-to-child transmissions.

“Virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015 is possible,” said Dr Paul De Lay, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Programmes. “Relatively small investments can go a long way in saving mothers and babies.”

The recommendations on infants dovetail with WHO's new recommendations for women with HIV, which advise earlier treatment for all eligible women, including pregnant mothers.

"The child's health is inextricably linked with the health of its mother," Dr Hirnschall says. "Ensuring HIV-positive mothers have access to treatment for their own health will greatly improve outcomes for their children."

Breastfeeding, which is essential for child survival has posed an enormous dilemma for mothers living with HIV. Now, WHO says mothers may safely breastfeed provided that they or their infants receive ARV drugs during the breastfeeding period. This has been shown to give infants the best chance to be protected from HIV transmission in settings where breastfeeding is the best option.