How can mother–to–child transmission (MTCT) be prevented?
Ans: Mother–to–child transmission can be reduced by the following: Treatments It is clear that short–term antiretroviral preventative treatment is an effective and feasible method of preventing mother–to–child transmission of HIV. When combined with infant–feeding counselling and support, and the use of safer infant–feeding methods, it can halve the risk of infant infection. ARV regimens are mainly based on the use of Nevirapine or Zidovudine. Nevirapine is administered in one dose to the mother at delivery, and in one dose to the child within 72 hours of birth. Zidovudine has been shown to decrease the risk of transmission when administered to the mother during the last six months of pregnancy and intravenously during labour and to the baby for six weeks after birth. Even if Zidovudine is administered later in pregnancy, or around the time of delivery, the risk of transmission can be halved. Overall, the efficacy of the various drug regimens is diminished if babies continue to be expo
