HIV infection and maternal and child health

During the last three years, there had been several publications from USA and Africa, highlighting maternal and child health problems in HIV infection. Available data suggest that pregnancy might accelerate progression of HIV infection in the mother. About 50% of infants born to HIV infected mothers are likely to be infected at birth or in the neonatal period. Nearly half of the infected infants die before two years of age. HIV infection in childhood following transfusion of blood from HIV infected donor has been reported. There had been speculations on the possible role of improperly sterilised syringes and needles in transmission of HIV infection in Africa. The available guideline drawn by national (Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta,USA) and international (WHO) agencies regarding provision of MCH care to HIV infected individuals and in situations where information on HIV infection status of the person is not known are reviewed, with special reference to the situation in developing countries like India.