HIV in Neonates and Infants

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Significant progress in preventing perinatal HIV transmission has been achieved.
• Mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) elimination is a tangible goal.
• Gaps persist in early infant diagnosis and neonatal treatment access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of perinatal HIV.
• To highlight recent advancements in the field.
• To identify future research and implementation needs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies and clinical guidelines.
• Analysis of current global and regional implementation data.
• Synthesis of expert recommendations and future projections.

Main Results:

• Advances in antiretroviral therapy have dramatically reduced MTCT rates.
• Early infant diagnosis (EID) programs show variable implementation and coverage.
• Limited availability of newer, more effective, and easier-to-administer treatments for neonates.

Conclusions:

• While progress is substantial, continued efforts are needed to close implementation gaps.
• Expanding access to early testing and optimizing neonatal therapeutic strategies are critical.
• Achieving the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission requires sustained global commitment and innovation.