HIV disproportionately affects women of childbearing age in South Africa. Despite progress in antiretroviral therapy access, challenges persist in HIV vertical transmission prevention (VTP).
Methods
We conducted a single-centre, retrospective observational audit of women delivering between May and August 2023 at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa to assess adherence to national VTP guidelines.
Results
Of 563 women, 22% (125/563) were living with HIV at their first antenatal visit, increasing to 24.3% (137/563) by delivery. HIV retesting rates declined from 46% (181/394) at the second visit to 20% (30/151) by the eighth. HIV viral load testing was performed in 71.5% of women (98/137) at delivery, with 72.4% (71/98) achieving viral suppression. Birth PCR testing was not performed for 21.1% (29/137) of HIV-exposed infants.
Conclusion
Significant gaps in HIV retesting, viral load monitoring, and birth PCR testing highlight ongoing challenges in VTP guideline adherence.
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