MTCTFieldStudy.mdb

We determined the factors associated with vertical transmission of HIV in Harare. We conducted a 1:2 unmatched case-control study. We interviewed 62 mother-baby pair cases, in which vertical transmission occurred, and randomly selected 124 health facility mother-baby pair controls, where vertical transmission did not occur. Vertical transmission was high among babies whose mothers were diagnosed of HIV after conception and those who did not adhere to treatment. This study highlights key intervention points in the acceleration of pediatric HIV elimination. We therefore recommend intensifying health promotion on pre-partum testing for HIV, importance of adhering to treatment and strengthening of treatment support groups.