Brazilian Government Launches Program to Reduce Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis

The Brazilian government on Wednesday launched a program that aims to reduce mother-to-child transmission of viruses such as HIV and syphilis, Xinhua/People's Daily reports. According to a recently released report by the government, about 530 mother-to-child HIV transmissions were reported in 2005, compared with 1,091 transmissions in 1996. The report also found that in 2005, 5,710 cases of congenital syphilis were reported, but the government estimates that the real incidence is around 12,000, Xinhua/People's Daily reports.

Brazil's Ministry of Health recently said the government plans to spend 38.8 million reals, or about $21 million, on purchasing antiretroviral drugs, lactation inhibitors, infant formula, and HIV and syphilis tests. The government also will add 16 million reals, or about $9 million, to the amount it currently allocates to state and municipal governments to reduce mother-to-child transmissions of HIV and syphilis. According to Xinhua/People's Daily, the government by 2011 plans to increase the number of pregnant women tested for HIV and syphilis from 1.4 million to 2.3 million and from 2.1 million to 4.8 million, respectively (Xinhua/People's Daily, 10/25).

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