WHO Technical Brief: Preventing HIV During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in the Context of PrEP

Pregnant and breastfeeding women living in settings where HIV incidence is greater than three per 100 person–years, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, often remain at substantial and increased risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Biological factors increase susceptibility, and social and behavioural factors may increase exposure to HIV infection. Pregnant and breastfeeding women who acquire HIV at this time have a greater risk of transmitting HIV to their infant than women who became infected with HIV before pregnancy.

PrEP could complement established HIV prevention strategies for pregnant and breastfeeding women as part of a comprehensive package to reduce HIV infections among women and transmission from mothers to infants in settings with high HIV incidence.