Reaching WHO PMTCT goal in Zimbabwe

Jan 12 2012

Researchers in this PLoS Medicine article examine the efforts necessary to reach the WHO goal of reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) risk to less than five percent in Zimbabwe. They conclude, "Implementation of the WHO [prevention of MTCT (PMTCT)] guidelines must be accompanied by efforts to improve access to PMTCT services, retain women in care, and support medication adherence throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, to approach the 'virtual elimination' of pediatric HIV in Zimbabwe," according to the study (Ciaranello et al., 1/10). A Massachusetts General Hospital press release states the research "should help with the planning of expanded programs to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa and other areas with limited health resources" (1/10).