Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is the predominant mode of HIV transmission in children worldwide. It is estimated that around 1.3 million children are living with HIV and that approximately 1,600 children are infected with HIV each day. Numerous clinical trials using antiretroviral drugs to reduce MTCT of HIV-1 have shown that perinatal transmission can be reduced effectively. Based on the PACTG 076 study administering a long antenatal zidovudine regimen, a signific ant reduction in vertical HIV-1 transmission has been achieved in the developed world. Trials conducted in developing countries have shown that perinatal transmission can be reduced effectively even using shorter and less costly antiretroviral regimens. Prevention of MTCT interventions have been implemented on a large scale in a number of developing countries.
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