Mother to child transmission of HIV

HIV/AIDS

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV

IRIN/N.Palus

The transmission of HIV from a HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breastfeeding is called mother-to-child transmission. In the absence of any intervention, transmission rates range from 15% to 45%. This rate can be reduced to below 5% with effective interventions during the periods of pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding. These interventions primarily involve antiretroviral treatment for the mother and a short course of antiretroviral drugs for the baby. They also include measures to prevent HIV acquisition in the pregnant woman and appropriate breastfeeding practices.

More about mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Latest updates

September 2016

Towards an HIV-free generation in Malawi township

June 2016

Thailand, Belarus and Armenia eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV

General information

Related topics and links

Technical documents and guidelines

Guideline on when to start antiretroviral therapy and on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV
September 2015Monitoring & evaluation framework for antiretroviral treatment for pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV and their infants
IATT Option B/B+ M&E framework - July 2015Elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis
Global guidance on criteria and processes for validation - June 2014

Data and statistics

View all publications on mother-to-child transmission of HIV