Evaluation Of The Prevention Of Mother-To-Child Transmission (Pmtct) Of The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) In Children Born To Hiv-Positive Mothers In Two Medical Centers In Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Introduction: Mother-to-child transmission is a major route of HIV transmission among children. Despite various prevention programs, Burkina Faso is recording cases of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aims to evaluate measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission at the Kossodo Medical Center with Surgical Unit (MSU) and the Samandin Urban Medical Center (UMC) from 2021 to 2023. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection that took place from January 2021 to December 2023 at the Kossodo MSU and the Samandin UMC. The sample consisted of all children born to HIV-positive mothers. HIV testing in these children was carried out using the Polymerization Chain Reaction (PCR) technique and HIV serology at the laboratory of the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital (CDG PUH). The determinants of the PMTCT programme in force in Burkina Faso were assessed. Results: The study involved 57 children born to HIV-positive mothers. The population was predominantly male (50.87%) with a sex ratio of 1.03. The average age of the children was 14.14 months. The majority (92.89%) of the children received ARV prophylaxis. DNA PCR was mostly performed at 3 and 6 months and, among the children who underwent this examination, 9.43% were positive. Serology was mostly performed at the age of 18 months and among those who performed it, 10% were positive. The overall transmission rate was 15.78%. Conclusion: The study revealed that the rate of vertical transmission of HIV is high in these two health centers in Ouagadougou. The PMTCT program guidelines were insufficiently implemented. Thus, in view of this observation, it is necessary to challenge the authorities responsible for the effective implementation of PMTCT programs in order to effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission among exposed children.