Africa Can Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for more than 80% of new HIV infections among children under 15 worldwide. Yet, effective solutions exist to prevent mother-to-child transmission, as demonstrated by Brazil. This country has managed to reduce this type of transmission to less than 2% through a comprehensive and integrated approach.

Brazil has implemented a universal health system providing broad access to prenatal care and HIV testing for all pregnant women. As soon as a diagnosis is made, antiretroviral treatment is immediately initiated and continued throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Exposed children also benefit from rigorous follow-up, including early testing and appropriate prophylaxis. These measures, combined with strong community involvement and a legal framework ensuring access to care, have enabled a sustainable reduction in transmission.

However, despite these advances, inequalities persist, particularly for marginalized populations such as Black, Indigenous, or remote-area women. This underscores that medical progress must be accompanied by inclusive social policies to leave no one behind.

For Africa, the key lies in integrating HIV prevention services into routine maternal and child healthcare. This requires strengthening primary health systems, improving access to testing and treatment, and ensuring continuous follow-up for mothers and their children. African countries must also invest in robust surveillance systems capable of tracking progress and quickly identifying gaps.

Community participation is equally essential. Involving community health workers, local leaders, and women’s groups helps overcome cultural and social barriers, such as stigma or reluctance to get tested. Tailored awareness campaigns, focused on rights and dignity, can encourage women to seek prenatal care and adhere to their treatment.

Finally, sustained political and financial commitment is indispensable. African governments must prioritize this fight in their national budgets and align their policies with international guidelines. Regional partnerships and the sharing of experiences between countries, such as those observed between Brazil and certain African states, can accelerate progress. Innovative financing mechanisms, like pooled drug purchasing, optimize the use of limited resources.

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV is not inevitable. With strong health systems, firm political will, and an equity-centered approach, Africa, too, can protect its children from this infection.

Credits

Source Study

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02239-9

Title: Elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV in Africa using health system lessons from Brazil

Journal: Discover Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Tolutope Adebimpe Oso; Olalekan John Okesanya; Uthman Okikiola Adebayo; Oluwatobi Babajide Ayelaagbe; Khalifat Boluwatife Obadeyi; Clement Ngele Chukwu; Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno