"In September 1999, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation initiated a multi-country, service-based programmatic effort in the developing world to reduce perinatally acquired HIV infection," explained the authors, who performed a review of the program's first six and one-half years.

Each prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) facility records patient data in antenatal clinics and labor and delivery settings about counseling, testing, HIV status and antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis. Collected data are then submitted to foundation staff.

Through June 2006, more than 2.6 million women accessed foundation-related services. In total, 92.9 percent of women who received antenatal care or were eligible for PMTCT services in labor and delivery were counseled, and 82.8 percent of those counseled accepted testing. Among women identified as HIV-positive, 75.0 percent received ARV prophylaxis (most a single dose of nevirapine), as did 45.6 percent of their infants.

"The foundation's experience has demonstrated that opt-out testing, supplying mothers with medication at time of diagnosis, and providing the infant dose early have measurably improved program efficiency. PMTCT should be viewed as an achievable paradigm and an essential part of the continuum of care," the authors concluded.

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