Risk factors for transmission of HIV from mother to child in Bangui

the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) in pregnant women in Central Africa is 4.5%. Although a program to prevent mother-child transmission of HIV has been implemented throughout the country, the number of infected infants continues to increase. In this context, our study sought to determine the rate of mother-child transmission of HIV and to identify the main risk factors. this prospective cross-sectional study took place from November 1, 2014, to November 1, 2015, in all 16 maternal and child health centers in Bangui. The study population comprised the infants born to HIV-positive mothers and seen at these centers for HIV testing 6 weeks after birth. The mothers were interviewed and their files examined to identify the risk factors of HIV transmission to their babies. the study included 656 infants. The maternal-fetal transmission rate of HIV was 7%. The main risk factors were the absence of antiretroviral prophylaxis for mothers or children and rupture of the membranes more than 24 hours before labor. HIV transmission from mother to child is a public health problem in Bangui. Vigorous action, such as interventions with antiretroviral medication, good obstetric practices, and especially the implementation of the 2013 WHO recommendations, should certainly reduce the number of new infections among newborns in Bangui.