Preventing MTCT in HIV: what cost in developing countries?

Low-cost, effective interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection, based on the use of antiretroviral drugs in the peripartum period, are now available. The use of such antiretrovirals is an essential component in the fight to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. However, a number of issues are yet to be resolved. Methods of reducing the transmission of the virus during breastfeeding must be found, and antenatal care provided. In addition, political, social and economic solutions to improve the healthcare infrastructure and availability of HIV testing in such countries are urgently required. Several posters presented at the 14th International AIDS Conference [Barcelona, Spain; July 2002] examined these issues, along with the economic implications of preventing MTCT of HIV infections.