An Update on HIV and Pregnancy

Abstract

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patients, turning the disease into a chronic manageable condition. The risk of HIV transmission from mother to child is lowered to about 1% when interventions are maximised. The universal antenatal HIV testing programme introduced in 2001 has proven to be an efficient and effective initiative in Hong Kong. Introduction of rapid testing for late-presenting mothers with unknown HIV status will add to its success. It is becoming ever more important to fully address the reproductive needs of HIV-positive women and their spouses, aiming at safer sex practices, the use of safe and reliable contraception, the delivery of healthy babies after planned pregnancies, and prevention of HIV transmission.