Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cascade in China

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Effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV can reduce the vertical transmission risk from 15%–45% to below 5% in breastfeeding populations and below 2% in non-breastfeeding populations.1–3 The 2013 WHO guidelines recommend that all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as early as during 14 weeks of pregnancy and continue lifelong treatment if resources are available particularly in generalised epidemics.



The Chinese government has invested US$140 million annually on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. This study evaluates the programme by examining the improvements in programme coverage HIV testing and provision of antiviral drugs along the PMTCT cascade. PMTCT programmes have reduced HIV mother-to-child transmission in China. Further improvements in the continuum of care remain essential in realising the full potential of the programme. 

Reference: Zeng H, Chow EP, Zhao Y, Wang Y, Tang M, Li L, Tang X, Liu X, Zhong Y, Wang A, Lo YR, Zhang L. Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cascade in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Transm Infect. 2015 May 2. pii: sextrans-2014-051877. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051877. [Epub ahead of print]