Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and the Cost of Inaction

Overview

After nearly a decade of decreases in new pediatric HIV infections, progress has stalled and there is significant risk of backsliding. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated preexisting challenges in eliminating mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and illuminated the fragility of progress to date. There have been reported declines in access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services, including HIV testing and treatment.

This brief examines the potential long-term impacts of rising MTCT rates in Kenya, using the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications (CEPAC) model. This case study highlights the fragility of programmatic gains and the critical need for increased resources and political will to support PMTCT services and prevent potential backsliding in PMTCT across African nations.