MP sees alarming rise in HIV +ve pregnancies:201 newborns infected due to testing treatment gaps

Shocking statistics on HIV transmission have surfaced in Madhya Pradesh, raising serious concerns over gaps in antenatal screening and treatment. Reports indicate that pregnant women are not being tested for HIV in a timely manner, while those found positive are often not receiving consistent medication. As a result, 201 newborns in the state contracted HIV infection from their mothers over the past five years. During the same period, the number of HIV-positive pregnant women has risen by nearly 45%. According to official data, the count increased from 3,771 cases in 2020–21 to 7,167 in 2025–26. Records from the Madhya Pradesh State AIDS Control Committee, along with PPTCT Centre at MTH Hospital and ART Centre at MY Hospital, show that 743 HIV-positive pregnant women delivered in 2025–26 alone. Key reasons behind mother-to-child transmission Health experts have identified several gaps contributing to continued transmission: Case 1: Infection missed due to lack of initial testing A woman, who later tested HIV-positive during her second pregnancy at PC Sethi Hospital, revealed that her husband and 15-month-old child were also infected. Doctors noted that HIV testing was not conducted during her first delivery. After receiving proper treatment in the second pregnancy, the newborn remains HIV-negative even after six months. Case 2: Child infected after missed preventive care In another case, an HIV-positive mother and HIV-negative father were treated at MTH Hospital in 2024–25. Due to incomplete ART adherence and immediate breastfeeding after delivery, the child was exposed to infection risk. Although the newborn was given a protective dose of Nevirapine, it was not administered properly, and the child tested HIV-positive at 11 months of age. Expert view Gynecology expert Dr. Sumitra Yadav states that HIV and VDRL testing is mandatory during antenatal care as per central health guidelines. If a woman tests positive, she must be referred to a government facility and started on antiretroviral therapy within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Timely treatment significantly reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Experts also caution that breastfeeding practices among HIV-positive mothers require strict medical supervision to prevent infection in newborns.