Pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Asia: mother-to-child transmission.

Abstract

At least 6 million people in the Asia-Pacific region have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The numbers of HIV-infected women and children are increasing at an alarming rate. Important components of infection control that need to be addressed if mother-to-child transmission of HIV is to be prevented successfully include voluntary and confidential counseling and testing, family planning, obstetric care, use of antiretroviral agents, and availability of alternatives to breast-feeding. Many services can aid in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the care of HIV-infected mothers and their children. Each country needs to take into account the features of HIV and AIDS epidemiology that are peculiar to it, its infrastructure, and the resources that are available. Providing services in a stepwise manner can help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.