A Review of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Outcomes at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo

ABSTRACT

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is the primary route of infection in the pediatric age group, with Nigeria contributing significantly to new pediatric HIV cases. Despite over two decades of a national Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program, Nigeria remains a major contributor to the global pediatric HIV burden. Effective PMTCT requires comprehensive interventions including antenatal HIV testing, maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART), infant prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis. However, systemic challenges limit optimal program outcomes. This study reviews PMTCT outcomes at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Nigeria. A retrospective review of PMTCT cases was conducted, analyzing data from infants born to HIV-positive mothers. Maternal and infant characteristics, antiretroviral prophylaxis, mode of delivery, duration of maternal ART, and early infant diagnosis results were examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and presented through frequencies, percentages, and chi-square statistics. Among 97 HIV-exposed infants, 53.6% were female with a mean birth weight of 3.02 ± 0.35 kg. Majority of mothers were aged 31–40 years (49.5%), married (65.7%), and had secondary education (58.6%). Infant prophylaxis was primarily Nevirapine only (82.8%) or Zidovudine/Nevirapine combination (16.2%). Vaginal delivery accounted for 88.9% of births. Maternal highly active ART (HAART) had been administered for over two years in 59.6% of cases. Early infant diagnosis using DNA PCR indicated a 95.9% HIVnegative rate. Spousal HIV positivity was 22.2%, with 9.1% unknown. The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital's PMTCT program demonstrates a high HIV-free survival rate among exposed infants, reflecting effective prophylaxis and sustained maternal ART adherence. Continued efforts should focus on overcoming systemic barriers, enhancing male partner involvement, and strengthening postnatal follow-up to further improve outcomes.