Infectious Etiologies of Chronic Diseases: Focus on Women1

2002. Both programs are free to patients. All pregnant women can receive HIV counseling and testing. Antiretroviral prophylaxis for women and infants and infant formula are provided for HIV-positive women. Although 95% of pregnant women attend antenatal clinics and deliver in health facilities, uptake of PMTCT has been low. A CDC-Botswana government survey of pregnant women was performed to explore factors influencing HIV test acceptance. Factors predicting acceptance included higher educational level, attendance at urban clinics, greater knowledge about PMTCT, planned pregnancy, discussing HIV testing with others, and knowing others who had received PMTCT or antiretroviral therapy. These presentations highlight the successes of PMTCT programs as well as continuing challenges. There continues to be a need for program evaluation, operational research, and expanded PMTCT services in order to maximally prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.