Model shows that incidence of HIV infection in children can be reduced

Despite results showing that low cost antiretroviral treatments were effective in reducing vertical transmission of HIV in Thailand and Africa, many developing countries are reluctant to introduce such programmes because of the high costs of the drugs. Söderlund et al (p 1650) used a computer simulation to assess the cost effectiveness of antenatal HIV screening combined with various interventions to prevent infection of children born to mothers with HIV in South Africa. Low cost antiretroviral interventions seem to offer good value for money in most settings with moderate and high prevalence of HIV infection. Recommendations to avoid breast feeding, however, seem appropriate only where there are reasonably high rates of infant survival.

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Relevant Article

Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV: analysis of cost effectiveness of options available in South Africa

Neil Söderlund, Karen Zwi, Anthony Kinghorn, and Glenda Gray
BMJ 1999 318: 1650-1656. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]