Prevention of perinatal HIV transmission.

Preventing perinatal HIV transmission is a multistep, multidisciplinary process that includes ensuring women's access to early prenatal care, acquiring knowledge about the HIV status of pregnant women, educating them regarding HIV infection and its transmission, and prescribing antiretroviral agents to women with HIV infection and to the HIV-exposed neonate and ensuring their consistent use. It also includes mobilizing social and supportive services for these patients and their families. The collaborative nature of this care and treatment options available are discussed in this article.