Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the HIV programme at Levai Mbatha Community Health Centre (CHC), Evaton, South Africa.
 
 Methods: A retrospective analysis of HIV-infected mother–infant pairs was conducted between 1 August 2009 and 31 July 2010. The infants’ HIV status was determined using HIV-specific qualitative DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Demographic characteristics, mode of mother to child transmission (MTCT), choice of infant feeding, mode of delivery and CD4 count were included.
 
 Results: Of the 206 mothers, 10 infants had positive DNA PCR results at 6 weeks. The MTCT rate was 4.9%. The mean age of HIV-infected mothers was 28 years (SD 5.7, range 16–42 years). Overall, 74.2% (152) of HIV-positive mothers received dual therapy
 and 28.8% (53) were on HAART alone. Mothers with CD4 count < 200cells/μl (OR = 0.09 [CI, 0.01–0.75]; p = 0.026) and lack of prophylaxis during labour (OR = 9.50 [CI, 1.59–56.66]; p = 0.013) were identified as significant risk factors associated with MTCT. 
 
 Conclusions: The PMTCT programme at Levai Mbatha CHC is effective in reducing the MTCT of HIV. Lack of ART prophylaxis and low CD4 count were the significant determinants of MTCT in the study.
 
 (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)
 
 S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1254933
Highlights
Between 2009 and 2014, there was a 48% reduction of new HIV infections in children, due to the success of the World Health Organization (WHO) HIV programme on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).[1]
This study evaluated the effectiveness of PMTCT programme by determining the rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV and by examining the factors influencing the MTCT outcomes at Levai Mbatha Community Health Centre, Evaton, South Africa
This study revealed there was no difference in the DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results between mothers who chose to exclusively breastfeed (EBF) and those who opted for exclusive formula feeding (EFF)
Summary
Between 2009 and 2014, there was a 48% reduction of new HIV infections in children, due to the success of the World Health Organization (WHO) HIV programme on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).[1]. According to Option A, HIV-positive women are eligible for anti-retroviral therapy (ART) prophylaxis during pregnancy and intra-partum to reduce the risk of MTCT. In Option B, a woman is eligible for triple ART and this is continued until one week after the cessation of breastfeeding if she does not qualify for lifelong ART. According to Option B+, all pregnant women in the PMTCT programme are offered lifelong ART, regardless of their CD4 count. Women are offered fixed-dose triple ART starting at the first antenatal care (ANC) visit.[3]
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