'Early testing crucial' to HIV battle

Increasing access to testing is the key to improving the survival chances of infants born with HIV, a new report has concluded.

Children and Aids, a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef and UNAIDS, found that only ten per cent of children born to HIV-positive mothers are tested for the virus during the first two months of their lives.

This is despite the fact 50 per cent of children born with HIV die before their second birthday if they do not receive treatment.

Among those who are diagnosed with the disease and begin treatment before they reach 12 weeks, survival rates are around 75 per cent higher.

Dr Margaret Chan, director general for WHO, said it was wrong that infants continued to die from Aids when treatments exist to prevent it.

"We know how to prevent these tragic deaths, but now we need to focus on strengthening our healthcare systems to ensure that all mothers and children receive treatment as early as possible," said Ms Chan.

More than 90 per cent of all HIV infections among those aged 14 or under are in children born to HIV positive mothers.

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