Dynamics of the frequency of HIV transmission from mother to child according to early PCR diagnostics in Ukraine and its regions in 2016-2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/HW.2026.1(182).2024Keywords:
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), women, early diagnosis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), childrenAbstract
Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from mother to child remains an urgent public health problem, as it determines the formation of new cases of infection among children. Early diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a key tool for detecting infection in newborns and assessing the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Aim - to analyze the dynamics of the frequency of HIV transmission from mother to child based on the results of early PCR diagnostics in Ukraine and its regions in 2016-2024.
Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of statistical data of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on the frequency of mother-to-child transmission of HIV expressed per 100,000 live births was conducted. Methods of descriptive epidemiology, analysis of dynamic series, and comparative regional analysis were used. The data were generated on the basis of official reporting and the HIV infection monitoring system in Ukraine.
Results. A decrease in the frequency of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ukraine was established from 14.4 per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 8.5 in 2020. In 2021, the indicator remained relatively stable (8.8); however, in 2022-2023, its growth was observed to be 10.7 and 10.0, respectively. In 2024, a sharp decrease in the indicator to 3.5 was noted. A significant interregional variability of indicators was revealed with the presence of both high values and numerous zero levels, which may be related to the effect of small numbers and uneven coverage of early diagnosis.
Conclusions. In Ukraine, there is a general tendency to decrease the frequency of HIV transmission from mother to child, but in 2022-2023, a destabilization of indicators was noted. Significant regional variability and the presence of zero values may indicate a limitation of access to early PCR diagnostics. The obtained results emphasize the need to strengthen the system of monitoring, early detection, and prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child.
No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.
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