Improving Outcomes in Infants of HIV-Infected Women in a Developing Country Setting PMTCT in Haiti

2008

Improving Outcomes in Infants of HIV-Infected Women in Haiti

Sample size: 551 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Noel Francine, Mehta Sapna, Zhu Yuwei, Rouzier Patricia De Matteis, Marcelin Abdias, Shi Jian R., Nolte Claudine, Severe Linda, Deschamps Marie Marcelle, Fitzgerald Daniel W., Johnson Warren D., Wright Peter F., Pape Jean W.

Primary Institution: Les Centres GHESKIO, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Hypothesis

Can a comprehensive PMTCT program reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV and improve infant survival in a resource-limited setting?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates significant success in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission and infant mortality in Haiti through a comprehensive PMTCT program.

Supporting Evidence

Transmission rates fell from 27% to 10% after the introduction of HAART.
Infant mortality rate decreased significantly from 0.23 to 0.12 per year after HAART was introduced.
Only 1.9% of infants born to mothers on HAART were HIV-positive.

Takeaway

This study shows that giving HIV-infected mothers the right medicine can help keep their babies from getting HIV and help them live longer.

Methodology

Data from 551 infants born to HIV-infected mothers were analyzed, focusing on transmission rates and mortality before and after the introduction of HAART.