HIV-1 and reproductive health in Africa

Abstract

In many African countries where HIV infection is mainly heterosexually transmitted a substantial proportion of women of childbearing age are now infected with the virus. This paper will review the consequences of HIV-1 infection on the reproductive health of seropositive women. The adverse effect of HIV-1 infection on children will be outlined, and strategies for preventing HIV-1 transmission in women of childbearing age and their young children will be discussed