Implementing a rural programme of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Nkangala, South Africa: a baseline evaluation

HIV related health problems have robbed about 2 million lives. About 1.9 million of the 2.7 million new infections that have documented occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2008). Women and children bear a disproportionate share of the burden, and in many settings continue to experience high rates of new HIV infections and of HIV-related illness and death. In 2008 alone, an estimated 430 000 children were newly infected with HIV, with about 91% of these infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2009). In high income countries, PMTCT interventions have led to new HIV infections in children becoming increasingly rare. Globally, renewed efforts are required urgently to increase access to comprehensive, integrated programmes to prevent HIV infection in infants and young children. These programmes also serve as a unique entry point for women to access the services they need to improve their own health and to prevent transmission of HIV to their infants (WHO, 2003). Several recent initiatives have presented an opportunity for countries to increase the coverage and effectiveness of PMTCT programmes.