1. Implementing programs for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission in resource-constrained settings: Horizons studies, 1999-2007.
- Author
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Baek C and Rutenberg N
- Subjects
- Africa South of the Sahara epidemiology, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, Family Planning Services, Female, HIV Infections epidemiology, Health Planning Support, Health Services Needs and Demand, Humans, Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical statistics & numerical data, Medication Adherence, Operations Research, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious epidemiology, Research Design, Self-Help Groups, Social Support, HIV Infections prevention & control, Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical prevention & control, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious prevention & control, Program Development methods, Resource Allocation
- Abstract
An estimated 430,00 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occurred among children younger than 15 years of age in 2008, most in sub-Saharan Africa and most due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In marked contrast, MTCT of HIV has been virtually eliminated in well-resourced settings through the use of combinations of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the mother during pregnancy and labor and for the infant postpartum; cesarean delivery to reduce the infant's exposure to trauma and infection in the birth canal; and formula feeding to protect the infant from transmission from breastfeeding. While effective, these interventions are costly and require strong health-care systems. From 1999 to 2003, Horizons conducted operations research to determine how interventions successful in the clinical trial setting would translate to the real-world environments of maternal and child healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. A second set of Horizons studies (2004-2007) sought to address gaps in adherence to ARV prophylaxis; examine roles of family planning in prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) programs; show the value of psychosocial support for HIV-positive mothers; and identify ways to improve the quality of care and follow-up for women in the postpartum period. This article provides an assessment of the findings of Horizons studies on PMTCT interventions from 1999 to 2007 and identifies needs for follow-on efforts.
- Published
- 2010
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