Dynamics of early detection of HIV infection among children born to HIV-positive mothers in Ukraine in 2016-2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/HW.2026.1(182).3236Keywords:
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), children under 2 months, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), diagnostics, vertical transmission, UkraineAbstract
Vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from mother to child remains an urgent public health problem, even in the conditions of widespread implementation of mother-to-child transmission prevention programs (prevention of mother-to-child transmission - PMTCT). Early diagnosis of HIV infection in children under 2 months of age using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the key indicators of the effectiveness of these programs, as it allows timely detection of infection and initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Aim - to assess the dynamics of early detection of HIV infection among children under 2 months of age born to HIV-positive mothers, in Ukraine, in 2016-2024.
Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of statistical data of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine regarding the number of HIV-positive children born to HIV-positive mothers and examined by the PCR method at the age of 2 months was conducted. The study covered the period 2016-2024. The methods of descriptive statistics, comparative analysis and assessment of regional features of the indicator were used.
Results. A clear trend towards a decrease in the number of HIV-positive children detected at an early age has been established: from 57 cases in 2016 to 6 cases in 2024, which corresponds to an overall decrease of 89.5%. The highest values of the indicator during the studied period were observed in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions, as well as in the city of Kyiv. In most regions in 2022-2024, isolated cases or their complete absence were recorded, which indicates a decrease in regional variability. At the same time, in the period after 2022, the impact of military actions on the completeness of data collection, access to health services, and coverage of testing is possible.
Conclusions. The obtained results indicate a positive trend in reducing the early detection of HIV infection among children born to HIV-positive mothers, which may be related to the improvement of the effectiveness of PMTCT programs in Ukraine. However, the results of recent years require careful interpretation, taking into account the possible undercounting of cases and the influence of external factors. Further monitoring of the indicator is necessary for an objective assessment of the epidemic situation and planning of public health measures.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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