Protecting the Next Generation — Eliminating Perinatal HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

More than 90% of the 430,000 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections in children each year occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV-1 acquisition through breast milk accounts for more than 40% of infections. However, in Africa, breast-feeding is a cornerstone of child survival. Two randomized trials reported in this issue of the Journal 1,2 show that antiretroviral regimens in breast-feeding infants or lactating mothers significantly decrease postnatal acquisition of HIV-1. It should be possible to eliminate new perinatal HIV-1 infections globally with the use of antiretroviral therapy when needed for maternal health and, when treatment is not otherwise required . . .