Implementation of PMTCT in Georgia.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Georgia initiated a comprehensive Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program in 2005.
• The nation was the first among former Soviet countries to provide universal access to PMTCT services.
• The national protocol mandates Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for all pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effectiveness of Georgia's PMTCT program.
• To assess HIV transmission rates among pregnant women receiving varying levels of PMTCT services.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from the National HIV/AIDS Data Base (1999-2008).
• Analysis of 84 registered pregnancies, with 77 monitored by the Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center (IDACIRC).
• Review of PMTCT strategies including antiretroviral therapy, cesarean sections, formula feeding, and prophylaxis.

Main Results:

• HIV prevalence among pregnant women attending VCT was 0.03% (2005-2008).
• No vertical HIV transmission occurred in 36 women receiving full PMTCT services.
• Three transmission cases were recorded among 33 women receiving partial PMTCT services due to late diagnosis or limited ARV access.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive PMTCT services, established nationwide since 2005, significantly minimize the risk of vertical HIV transmission.
• Universal access to PMTCT in Georgia has been successfully implemented.
• Individualized prophylactic strategies are crucial for optimal outcomes.