Ninety per cent of HIV infections in children under the age of 15 are caused by mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. In high-income countries introduction of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programmes substantially reduce the rate of transmission of HIV from mothers to infants. In a recent systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Lorraine Car and Colleagues examined the effectiveness of integrated PMTCT programmes compared to non-integrated and partially integrated care. They found very little evidence of evidence on this area and suggested that additional research is needed to allow clinicians and policy makers to make a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of integration of PMTCT interventions with other health services.
As the NHS braces for a challenging winter season, it is grappling with a "quad-demic" of health emergencies caused by influenza, Covid-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This confluence of viral threats poses a significant risk to public health in the UK as well as putting strain on healthcare resources, emphasising the importance of preventive measures to safeguard public health. Public health measures such a vaccination and good personal hygiene are pivotal in reducing the impact of these illnesses, particularly for vulnerable groups. The Four Viruses: What Are They? Influenza: A highly contagious respiratory infection that causes significant illness each winter. It can lead to severe complications, particularly in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Covid-19: Though its most acute phase has passed, Covid-19 remains a concern, especially as new variants of SA...
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