Mother-to-child HIV transmission, which accounts for more than 90% of new childhood infections, can be reduced to less than 5% by providing a HIV-positive mother access effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and support services during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

As one of the largest global implementers of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) services, EGPAF has provided nearly 30 million women with services to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies through sustainable and high-quality programs.

Mother-to-child HIV transmission, which accounts for more than 90% of new childhood infections, can be reduced to less than 5% by providing a HIV-positive mother access effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and support services during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. As one of the largest global implementers of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) services, EGPAF has provided nearly 30 million women with services to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies through sustainable and high-quality programs.

HIV Testing and Diagnosis

For women who are pregnant, HIV counseling and testing is the first and most critical step in reducing mother-to-child transmission. We work with local health facility staff and ministry of health officials to offer each individual visiting our supported facilities counseling and testing services. We ensure timely access to HIV diagnosis through innovative rapid HIV test technology.

Prenatal Treatment

ART, when taken throughout pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to an infant to less than 5%. Women who test HIV-positive during their prenatal visits at EGPAF-supported sites are immediately linked to lifelong ART and counseled on benefits of enrollment and retention on treatment.

Safe Childbirth

Safe childbirth is an important consideration for all expectant mothers and particularly for HIV-positive women. Yet many women in our supported settings lack access to health facilities, particularly facilities with obstetric emergency services. Through our programs, EGPAF works with clinicians to counsel women on the importance of facility births and equips supported facilities to manage obstetric emergencies.

Postnatal Care

EGPAF works within maternity and child wellness clinics throughout to offer a variety of integrated postnatal care services. We work hand-in-hand with antenatal care clinics to promote safe infant feeding practices in and outside the context of HIV. Because more than half of HIV-positive children are at risk of death by their second birthdays, EGPAF prioritizes early identification of HIV and care and treatment among HIV-positive children. We work with child health clinics to offer early and repeat HIV testing and access to treatment in addition to routine child wellness services including immunization, nutrition and growth monitoring.