South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Comparative Study
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV in a community-based antiretroviral clinic in South Africa.
To examine the uptake of ART among pregnant women referred to an ART service and the associated rates and risk factors for vertical HIV transmission. ⋯ The rate of HIV transmission in this study was higher than reported in high-income countries. Prevention of vertical transmission with ART was hindered by women presenting late in pregnancy and with advanced stage of HIV disease. Interventions that facilitate earlier ART commencement and improve programmatic retention of pregnant women are required.