Learning Objective #1: Describe the three primary modes of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Zambia

Learning Objective #2: Describe three methods for reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission in Zambia

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In 2003, the seroprevalence of HIV in Zambia was approximately 27% in the 15-40 year old population. HIV may be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, at delivery, and during breastfeeding. Approximately 30% of babies born of HIV-positive mothers will become HIV-positive, if the mothers do not breastfeed. The incidence is almost 100%, if mothers do breastfeed according to cultural norms. Condom use during pregnancy, nevirapine administration to the mother during labor and to the baby within 72 hours of birth, and exclusive breastfeeding for six months and then discontinuing breastfeeding, lower the incidence of HIV transmission from mother to baby. This paper describes a program developed at a Zambian bush clinic, serving approximately 15,000 people, to help reduce the incidence of HIV transmission from mother to baby.