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Toward the Elimination of Perinatal HIV Transmission in the U.S.: Summary and Challenges

Timothy M. Sankary, MD, MPH, Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health, 10250 Easthaven Dr., Santee, CA 92071, 619-665-1650, TSankary@yahoo.com

In November 2001, APHA adopted a policy resolution submitted by the HIV-AIDS Section on "Reducing Maternal-Fetal HIV Transmission with Rapid HIV Tests" that urged development, approval and widespread implementation of Rapid HIV Tests with preventive treatment, if needed, for women with unknown HIV status in labor. Three years later, rapid HIV tests have been approved and recommended but full implementation and training has not yet been accomplished. The panel will review the latest results of the efforts of the CDC to work with public health departments, hospitals, physicians and other providers to accomplish the goal of no HIV positive infants born in the United States. The role of community-based organizations will also be discussed. This summary will describe the appropriate use of Rapid HIV Tests and preventive treatment algorithm for women with unknown HIV status in labor and outline the medical/ethical/legal issues involved in testing and treatment to prevent perinatal HIV transmission. Lastly, the obstacles and barriers to implementation will be summarized and the actions needed to accomplish universal prevention of perinatal HIV transmission will be suggested.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

Keywords: HIV Interventions, Perinatal Outcomes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Orasure Technologies, Inc.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

HIV/AIDS Research Roundtable: Perinatal HIV Testing and Prevention

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA