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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

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Prevalence and Predictors of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among HIV-exposed

Ebenezer Ahenkan1, Anastasia Asare-Bediako2, Kingsley Adeoye Damilare3

  • 1Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana.

International Journal of MCH and AIDS
|August 21, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains high in Ghana, particularly in rural areas. Key predictors include high maternal viral load, lack of infant antiretroviral prophylaxis, and mixed feeding practices.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) accounts for most pediatric infections.
  • MTCT rates remain disproportionately high in Africa, including Ghana.
  • Eliminating new pediatric HIV infections is a global health priority.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of MTCT of HIV among HIV-exposed infants in Ghana's Ashanti Region.
  • To identify key predictors of MTCT in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort analysis of 220 HIV-infected mother-infant pairs.
  • Data collected from August 2023 to June 2024 in four hospitals.
  • Logistic regression models used to identify predictors of MTCT.

Main Results:

  • Overall MTCT prevalence was 10.9% (24/220).
  • Prevalence was significantly higher in rural (17.5%) versus urban (0.03%) areas.
  • Maternal viral load ≥1000 copies/mL, no infant antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis, and mixed feeding were significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • High MTCT prevalence necessitates targeted interventions in Ghana, especially in rural settings.
  • Effective maternal viral suppression through ART adherence is crucial.
  • Ensuring infant ARV prophylaxis and promoting safe feeding practices are vital for eliminating MTCT.
Abstract

Keywords:
GhanaHIV InfectionsHIV-exposed InfantsInfant HealthMother-to-child transmissionPredictorsPrevalence

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