1.1 The risk of MTCT

The virus may be transmitted during pregnancy (mainly late), child-birth, or breastfeeding. In the absence of preventive measures, the risk of a baby acquiring the virus from an infected mother ranges from 15% to 25% in industrialized countries, and 25% to 35% in developing countries. The difference is due largely to feeding practices: breastfeeding is more common and usually practised for a longer period in developing countries than in the industrialized world.