Analysis of HIV early infant diagnosis and linkage to care in the Western Cape: a laboratory perspective

Abstract

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is the cornerstones of HIV prevention programs. The principle of using antiretrovirals (ARV) to reduce the risk of transmission from mother to child is well established as a range of PMTCT regimens with varying efficacies have been widely studied and reviewed1. In South Africa and other Sub-Saharan countries, single dose Nevirapine, amongst other cost- effective regimens, have been adopted as part of the national HIV prevention program2 since 2003.