Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is an infectious disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pharmacological antiretroviral therapy, along with therapeutic monitoring of drug plasma concentrations, facilitates adequate and effective follow-up in each patient. Our main objective was to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) bioanalytical method for the simultaneous quantification of plasma concentrations of three commonly used antiretrovirals in Colombia: efavirenz, lopinavir, and ritonavir. This method is intended for therapeutic drug monitoring in persons living with HIV locally or in developing countries. The method is selective, specific, accurate, precise, and stable over the concentration range of 250 and 20,000 ng mL -1 for the drugs. It was successfully applied to measure the plasma levels of efavirenz, lopinavir, and ritonavir in HIV patients, which ranged from 251.0 ± 10.4 to 7186.2 ± 10.2, 8188.2 ± 5.9 to 15,312.5 ± 6.6, and 246.1 ± 6.5 to 1189.0 ± 6.4 ng mL-1, respectively. HIV. . (HIV) therapy followup follow up patient highperformance high performance HPLCUV HPLC UV (HPLC-UV Colombia efavirenz lopinavir countries selective specific accurate precise 25 20000 20 000 20,00 1 - drugs patients 2510 251 0 251. 104 10 4 10. 71862 7186 2 7186. 102 10.2 81882 8188 8188. 59 5 9 5. 153125 15 312 15,312. 66 6 6.6 2461 246 246. 65 6. 11890 1189 1189. 64 mL1, mL1 1, mL-1 respectively (HIV 2000 00 20,0 718 818 15312 31 15,312 24 118 mL- 200 20, 71 81 1531 3 15,31 11 7 8 153 15,3 15,

Abstract This study analyzes the life stories of eight young people living with vertically transmitted HIV in order to understand their perceptions marked by secrecy and silence regarding their experiences with the virus. Conducted at a specialized outpatient clinic in Rio de Janeiro, the study adopted circle dance, a Complementary and Integrative Health Practice, as a care tool. Using a qualitative approach and Life History as a data collection method, the focus was to understand the youth’s experiences related to the disease and the crucial aspects of their lives. Three girls and five boys participated in the study, all aware of their diagnosis. The principal emerging themes included family dynamics, school environment connection, challenges in treatment adherence, age at the time of diagnosis disclosure, and time elapsed since then. Analyzing these young people’s narratives allowed us to explore individual and social aspects of their experiences, revealing their similarities and differences. The circle dance workshops provided a playful space for expressing emotions and feelings through body movements, expanding young people’s perspectives on the future. virus Janeiro Practice tool method youths youth s lives dynamics connection adherence disclosure then peoples differences movements future

Resumo Este estudo analisa as histórias de vida de oito jovens vivendo com HIV por transmissão vertical, visando compreender suas percepções marcadas pelo segredo e silêncio sobre suas vivências com o vírus. Realizado em ambulatório especializado no Rio de Janeiro, o estudo adotou como ferramenta de cuidado a dança circular, considerada uma Prática Integrativa e Complementar em Saúde. Utilizando abordagem qualitativa e a História de Vida como método de coleta, o foco foi compreender as experiências dos jovens, não apenas relacionadas à doença, mas também a aspectos cruciais de suas vidas. Participaram do estudo três meninas e cinco meninos, todos cientes de seu diagnóstico. Os principais temas emergentes incluíram dinâmica familiar, conexão com o ambiente escolar, desafios na adesão ao tratamento, idade no momento da revelação do diagnóstico e tempo decorrido desde então. A análise das narrativas desses jovens, permitiu explorar aspectos individuais e sociais da experiência, revelando similaridades e diferenças entre eles. As oficinas de dança circular ofereceram um espaço lúdico para a expressão de emoções e sentimentos por meio dos movimentos corporais, ampliando as perspectivas dos jovens em relação ao futuro. vertical vírus Janeiro Saúde coleta doença vidas meninos familiar escolar tratamento então experiência eles corporais futuro

Migration, a prevalent global phenomenon, significantly impacts health, particularly in low- to middle-income countries. This article presents a rapid review aimed at mapping projects, lessons and policies concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH), HIV and migration in southern Africa. Utilising a population-concept-context framework, the review focuses on understanding the scope, nature and extent of interventions, identifying lessons learnt, and assessing existing policies and strategies. A comprehensive search strategy and screening process resulted in 19 studies and reports for inclusion. The review highlighted diverse projects across southern Africa, addressing SRH and HIV among migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Projects ranged from peer-education interventions to community-based referral systems, aiming to improve knowledge, access and outcomes related to SRH and HIV. The lessons learnt emphasised the importance of community involvement, healthcare worker (HCW) training and inclusive policies to address migrants' diverse needs effectively. Additionally, projects facilitated cross-border collaborations and policy integration, enhancing access to SRH-HIV services and migrant health rights. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including gender-based violence, financial barriers and xenophobic attitudes among HCWs. Limited access to comprehensive sexuality education and social protection for migrants underscores the need for further policy development and implementation. Nevertheless, existing policies, such as Botswana's inclusive HIV treatment policy and South Africa's National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs, demonstrate steps towards ensuring migrants' rights to healthcare.

SIGNIFICANCE: A paper recently published in AIDS and Behavior on 20 February 2024, authored by Trickey et al.¹, argues that drought potentially increases HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. They established a positive correlation between drought, poverty, sexual behaviour, and HIV contraction. The study's methodology is problematic, and does not consider key confounding factors, utilises data which is subject to biases, and utilises inappropriate means to define drought. We do not dispute the possibility that links exist between these variables, but assert that the data and methods used in this study are insufficient to support such a claim.

SIGNIFICANCE: We clarify several areas of misunderstanding raised by Waja and Motlogeloa's (S Afr J Sci. 2024;120(7/8), Art. #18588) critique of our previous publication analysing the associations between drought and acquiring HIV in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Resumo O corpus é composto por uma compilação de histórias sobre a experiência de ser homossexual e conviver com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), composta por uma série de entrevistas em profundidade, registros etnográficos situados e conversas informais realizadas durante o ano de 2022 com um homem homossexual que vive com HIV em Puebla, México —e que se chama Patricio—. São analisadas algumas das intersecções semiótico-materiais através das quais se configuram as suas experiências e são destacadas certas figuras imaginárias, os afetos em que se enquadram os seus modos de interação, alguns percursos do seu quotidiano e as suas possibilidades de contenção face às práticas discriminatórias. e cenários estigmatizantes. Em três momentos, são expostas algumas das formas como, entre as formas de corporificação de uma doença e as formas de corporificação da homossexualidade, essas dimensões parecem ser sustentadas pela marca cultural –sempre histórica, sempre política– da vergonha e orgulho.

Resumen El corpus se constituye con un compilado de relatos sobre la experiencia de ser homosexual y vivir con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) conformado a partir de una serie de entrevistas a profundidad, registros etnográficos situados y conversaciones informales realizadas en el transcurso del año de 2022 a un hombre homosexual que vive con VIH en Puebla, México —y a quien se nombra Patricio—. Se analizan algunos de los cruces semiótico-materiales mediante los cuales se configuran sus vivencias y se destacan ciertas figuras imaginarias, los afectos en que se enmarcan sus modos de interacción, algunas travesías de su vida cotidiana y sus posibilidades de contención frente a prácticas discriminatorias y escenarios estigmatizantes. En tres momentos, se exponen algunos de los modos en que, entre las formas de encarnar una enfermedad y los modos en que se corporeiza la homosexualidad, estas dimensiones parecen sostenerse en la marca cultural —siempre histórica, siempre política— de la vergüenza y el orgullo.

Abstract The corpus is made up of a compilation of stories about the experience of being homosexual and living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) made up of a series of in-depth interviews, situated ethnographic records and informal conversations carried out during the year 2022 with a man homosexual who lives with HIV in Puebla, Mexico — and who is named Patricio—. Some of the semiotic-material intersections through which his experiences are configured are analyzed. In addition, certain imaginary figures are highlighted, the affects in which his modes of interaction are framed, some journeys of his daily life and his possibilities of containment in the face of discriminatory practices and stigmatizing scenarios. In three moments, some of the ways in which, between the ways of embodying an illness and the ways in which homosexuality is embodied, are exposed, these dimensions seem to be sustained by the cultural mark —always historical, always political— of shame and pride.

Resumo Parte da poesia de Abigael Bohórquez (1936-1995) pode ser lida como poesia de testemunho homossexual. Especificamente, sua última coletânea de poemas, seu testamento poético, Poesida (1996), permite essa leitura, pois esse documento cruel, mas solidário, busca envergonhar o discurso heteronormativo, aquele que reagiu condenando as práticas homossexuais no auge da pandemia Hiv/Aids nas décadas de 1980 e 1990 do século XX. A Poesida será estudada a partir da poética da deturpação, como proposta de análise para a resistência dissidente à normalização discursiva que a coletânea de poemas oferece, tanto no confronto da tradição literária, quanto no espaço poético e na autobiografia referências. Bohórquez constrói um mural, um testemunho, uma série de canções e retratos para não esquecer, dignificar e resistir à vergonha com que tentaram classificar aqueles que morreram com o peso do estigma e da culpa.

Resumen Parte de la poesía de Abigael Bohórquez (1936-1995) puede leerse como poesía de testimonio homosexual. Específicamente, su último poemario y testamento poético, Poesida(1996), avala esa lectura, puesto que se trata de un documento cruel pero solidario que busca poner la vergüenza del lado del discurso heteronormativo, aquel que reaccionó condenando las prácticas homosexuales en el apogeo de la pandemia de VIH/sida entre los años ochenta y noventa del siglo XX. Se estudiará Poesida desde la propuesta de una “poética del tergiversar”, con el objetivo de analizar las resistencias disidentes que ofrece el poemario a la normalización discursiva tanto en la confrontación con la tradición literaria, como en el espacio poético y en las referencias autobiográficas. Bohórquez construye un mural, un testimonio, una serie de cantos y retratos para no olvidar, para dignificar y resistir la vergüenza con la que se trató de encasillar a quienes murieron con el peso del estigma y de la culpa.

Abstract Part of the poetry of Abigael Bohórquez (1936-1995) can be read as poetry of homosexual testimony. Specifically, his last collection of poems, his poetic testament, Poesida (1996), allows for this reading, since this cruel but supportive document seeks to put shame on the side of the heteronormative discourse, the one that reacted by condemning homosexual practices at the height of the Hiv/Aids pandemic in the 1980s & 1990s of the 20th century. Poesida will be studied from the poetics of misrepresentation, as a proposal for analysis for the dissident resistance to the discursive normalization that the collection of poems offers, both in the confrontation of the literary tradition, as well as in the poetic space and in the autobiographical references. Bohórquez builds a mural, a testimony, a series of songs and portraits so as not to forget, dignify and resist the shame with which they tried to classify those who died with the weight of stigma and guilt.

Abstract Introduction : Combined prevention (CP) is considered the key strategy against the HIV epidemic. The objective of the study was to evaluate the perception of risk of HIV infection and the knowledge about the use of antiretro virals (ARV) for prevention, among patients who attend a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) clinic. Methods : A survey on personal data and perception of risk of HIV infection, knowledge about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), was administered to patients at the time of applying doses of penicillin for the treatment of syphilis, or when taking a blood sample for STI diagnosis, between May and December, 2022. Results : 100 persons were surveyed: 43 were under 25 years of age, 67 reported male sex-gender and 33 fe males. Thirty of 91 (33%) perceived they had had some risk of infection in their lives, 19 of them in the last year; 77/96 (80%) stated that they had no knowledge about PEP, and 82/100, about PrEP. Only 22 out of 100 responded that antiretrovirals could provide benefit in preventing HIV; 26 (60%) of the 43 patients <25 years of age, and 18 of the 57 ≥ 25 years (31.6%) responded they have had two or more sexual partners in the last year. No statistically significant differences were observed related to gender and age group. Discussion : The low perception of infection risk and knowledge about the use of antiretrovirals in HIV pre vention, show the existing difficulties for the imple mentation of combined prevention (PEP-PrEP) in this population.

Resumen Introducción : La prevención combinada (PC) se con sidera la estrategia clave frente a la epidemia de HIV. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la percepción de riesgo de infección por HIV y el conocimiento sobre uso de antirretrovirales (ARV) para prevención, entre pacien tes que concurren a un consultorio de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual (ITS). Métodos : Una encuesta sobre datos personales y percepción de riesgo de infección por HIV, conocimiento sobre profilaxis posterior a la exposición (PEP) y previa a la exposición (PrEP), fue administrada a pacientes al momento de aplicar dosis de penicilina para tratamiento de sífilis, o de extraer muestra de sangre para diagnós tico de ITS, entre mayo y diciembre, 2022. Resultados : De 100 personas encuestadas, 43 eran menores de 25 años, 67 reportaron sexo-género mascu lino y 33 femenino. Treinta de 91, (33%), percibían haber tenido en su vida algún riesgo de infección, 19 de ellas en el último año; 77/96 (80%) manifestaron no tener conocimiento sobre PEP, y 82/100, sobre PrEP. Solo 22% respondió que los antirretrovirales podrían brindar be neficio para prevenir el HIV; 26 (60%) de los 43 menores de 25 años, y 18 de los 57 ≥ 25 años (31.6%) respondieron haber tenido dos o más parejas sexuales el último año. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente signifi cativas, relacionadas con género y grupo etario. Discusión : La baja percepción de riesgo de infección y del conocimiento sobre uso de antirretrovirales para prevención de HIV, evidencian las dificultades existentes en la implementación de prevención combinada (PEP-PrEP) en esta población.

Abstract Introduction : Meningeal cryptococcosis (MC) is a frequent cause of meningoencephalitis in people living with HIV (PLHIV), leading to substantial morbidity (20- 55%). Clinical characteristics, lethality and adverse prog nostic factors in PLHIV with MC admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are described. Methods : A retrospective observational study. Period from 11/21/2006 to 05/24/2023. It involved 154 adult PLHIV diagnosed with MC and admitted to ICUs. Percen tages and absolute values were compared by Chi-Square or Fisher’s test and medians by Mann-Whitney test. The association with mortality was assessed by logistic re gression. SPSS 23.0 software was used. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results : Patients who died and those who survived were comparable in age and sex (p>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that impaired functional and nutritio nal status, lack of previous highly active antiretroviral therapy, CD4 <100 cells, APACHE II ≥13 and a PLHIV prognostic score ≥8 points, requiring mechanical venti lation (MV), respiratory failure, renal failure, neurological dysfunction or sepsis could be associated (p<0.05) with mortality. Logistic regression established that impaired functional and nutritional status, a PLHIV prognostic score ≥8, need for MV and presence of sepsis would be independent variables associated with mortality. Conclusion : The results indicate that altered functio nal and nutritional status, a PLHIV prognostic score ≥ 8 points, requiring MV and suffering sepsis on admission to the ICU are more frequent in deceased patients, and they could therefore serve as independent variables to predict a higher risk of mortality.

Resumen Introducción : La criptococosis meníngea (CM) es una causa frecuente de meningoencefalitis en personas que viven con HIV (PVHIV) y produce una importante morbi-mortalidad (20-55%). Se describen las características clínicas, la letalidad y las variables de mal pronóstico en PVHIV con CM, en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Métodos : Estudio observacional y retrospectivo. Pe ríodo 21/11/2006 a 24/05/2023. Población evaluada: 154 PVHIV adultos, admitidos en UCI con diagnóstico de CM. Los porcentajes y valores absolutos, fueron comparados mediante Chi-Cuadrado o test de Fisher y las medianas mediante test de Mann-Whitney. La asociación con mortalidad se evaluó por regresión logística. Se utilizó el programa SPSS 23.0. Un valor p<0.05 fue considerado significativo. Resultados : Los pacientes que fallecieron y los que so brevivieron fueron comparables en edad y sexo (p>0.05). El análisis univariado, observó que un estado funcional y nutricional alterado, falta de tratamiento antirretroviral previo (TARV), CD4 <100 células/μl, APACHE II ≥13 y un score pronóstico de PVHIV ≥8 puntos, requerir ventilación mecánica (VM), sufrir insuficiencia respiratoria, renal, disfunción neurológica o sepsis, podrían estar asociados (p<0.05) con mortalidad. La regresión logística estableció que un estado funcional y nutricional alterado, un score pronóstico PVHIV ≥8, necesitar VM y sufrir sepsis serían variables independientes asociadas a mortalidad. Conclusión : Los resultados indican que el estado funcional y nutricional alterado, un score pronóstico PVHIV ≥8 puntos, requerir VM y sufrir sepsis al ingreso a UCI podrían servir como variables independientes para predecir un mayor riesgo de mortalidad.

BACKGROUND. Understanding the pattern of contraceptive use among women living with HIV is critical for formulating relevant public health interventions to improve the uptake and use of reliable methods in this population. This helps to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies. OBJECTIVE. In this secondary data analysis, we aimed to describe contraceptive use by HIV-positive and HIV-negative sexually active adolescent girls and women, using data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16). METHOD. We used statistical analysis to determine the association between the use of various methods of contraception and HIV status using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16 data. RESULTS. Overall, the contraceptive use prevalence in this study was 60%. Sexually active adolescent girls and women on the Pill and injections were less likely to be HIV-positive compared with those not using any method of contraception (odds ratio (OR)=0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.45 - 0.64), p=0.001; and OR=0.75, 95% CI (0.59 - 0.96), p=0.020, respectively). Those using either a male or female condom were more likely to be HIV-positive, OR=3.36, 95% CI (2.63 - 4.28), p=0.001. CONCLUSIONS. This study revealed that there is still a considerable unmet need for contraception among the study population, highlighting the need to devise strategies to increase contraception uptake among women. Statistically significant differences were noted in the use of condoms, with those who are HIV-positive having a higher use of condoms compared with those who are HIV-negative. This may reflect that HIV-positive individuals have received appropriate counselling messages on the need to use barrier methods.

BACKGROUND. In sub-Saharan Africa, ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common ocular surface tumour and is strongly associated with HIV infection. This range of ocular malignancies can be managed early to prevent large tumours requiring invasive treatment, facial disfigurement and mortality. Primary healthcare workers (HCWs) play a critical role in the early identification of the lesion. In addition, the ocular lesion can also be the presenting sign of HIV infection in individuals who have not yet been diagnosed. The aim of the present study was to assess the management of suspicious conjunctival growths in HIV-infected patients in primary health facilities and a specialist eye clinic in South Africa. OBJECTIVES. To assess the knowledge, attitude and current practice of HCWs working in HIV clinics regarding ocular surface lesions and to evaluate the management of patients with ocular surface lesions at a tertiary hospital. METHODS. A cross-sectional study design was used (November 2020 - May 2021), for which 149 HCWs were invited to assessments about their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding ocular surface lesions. In addition, files of patients with ocular surface lesions who presented between January 2018 and August 2020 to the eye clinic were reviewed using a data extraction sheet. RESULTS. One hundred-and-three HCWs agreed to participate in the survey (response rate 69.1%). Of these participants, 84.5% were experienced professional nurses (6 - 15 years of work experience) but had minimal experience with detection and management of eye complaints and lesions. Twenty-seven (26.2%) of the participants recognised some ocular surface lesions and 86 (83.5%) reported that they would refer patients with suspicious lesions. Sixty-two files were reviewed and 51 (82.2%) of the patients had an HIV-positive diagnosis. Fifty percent had carcinoma-in situ and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva. Thirty-one (50%) of the patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION. OSSN is an important manifestation of HIV infection. It would be beneficial for patients to receive a basic ocular examination as part of the baseline clinical evaluation; this may contribute to early referral to an eye care facility. The health system would benefit from establishing an eye health support system with the nearby health facilities, thereby educating primary HCWs about the association between HIV and OSSN.

HIV/AIDS remains one of the world's most significant public health and economic challenges, with approximately 36 million people currently living with the disease. Considerable progress has been made to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in the past years through successful multiple HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment interventions. However, barriers such as lack of engagement, limited availability of early HIV-infection detection tools, high rates of HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs), barriers to access antiretroviral therapy, lack of innovative resource optimisation and distribution strategies, and poor prevention services for vulnerable populations still exist and substantially affect the attainment of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. A rapid review was conducted from 24 October 2022 to 5 November 2022. Literature searches were conducted in different prominent and reputable electronic database repositories including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Springer. The study used various search keywords to search for relevant publications. From a list of collected publications, researchers used inclusion and exclusion criteria to screen and select relevant papers for inclusion in this review. This study unpacks emerging opportunities that can be explored by applying machine learning techniques to further knowledge and understanding about HIV service design, prediction, implementation, and evaluation. Therefore, there is a need to explore innovative and more effective analytic strategies including machine learning approaches to understand and improve HIV service design, planning, implementation, and evaluation to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and awareness strategies.

BACKGROUND. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remain vulnerable to HIV, with a higher incidence rate than their male counterparts. OBJECTIVES. To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HIV testing among AGYW in South Africa (SA). METHODS. A cross-sectional design was used to analyse the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016. Only sexually active AGYW aged 15 - 24 years residing in SA at the time of the survey were included. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse baseline sociodemographic characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with HIV testing. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and all analyses were adjusted using survey weights to account for unequal selection probabilities. RESULTS. The overall prevalence of HIV testing among sexually active AGYW was 85.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 83.0 - 87.1). The AGYW who had a history of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.47; 95% CI 2.90 - 6.89), were employed (aOR 3.29; 95% CI 1.75 - 6.21), belonged to a middle wealth index (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.04 - 3.10), had knowledge about mother-to-child transmission of HIV (aOR 3.29; 95% CI 2.26 - 4.79), had visited a health facility during the past 12 months (aOR 2.93; 95% CI 2.09 - 4.10), or had secondary/tertiary education (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.04 - 3.99) had higher odds of HIV testing. CONCLUSION. The study identified an unmet need for HIV testing among sexually active AGYW in SA, especially adolescent girls aged 15 - 19 years. Increasing knowledge about HIV testing, adolescent-friendly services and other offsite strategies are therefore important for this particular key population.

BACKGROUND. The infant mortality rate (IMR) (24 per 1 000 live births) remains high in South Africa (SA), well above the recommended sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 of 12 deaths per 1 000 live births. High infant mortality is a poor indicator of the health of a population and will hamper attainment of the SDGs. OBJECTIVES. To investigate the trends and distribution patterns of IMR between 2007 and 2016 and its association with HIV-positive pregnant mothers in SA. METHODS. This study used a cross-sectional study design by analysing secondary data on infant mortality from the 2007 and 2016 Statistics South Africa Community Surveys (CSs), as well as data from the 2007 National Antenatal Sentinel HIV and Syphilis Prevalence Survey. (Antenatal HIV Sentinel Survey - ANCHSS). Line charts with descriptive statistics were used to detail trends in IMRs, and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for infant mortality in the 2007 and 2016 CS datasets. Spearman's rank-order correlation (rho) was used to correlate infant mortality with data from the 2007 ANCHSS. All analyses were performed with Stata version 16.0. RESULTS. A total sample of 87 805, comprising 43 922 males and 43 883 females, was included in the analysis. The results revealed a decline in IMR from 55 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 to 32 in 2016. Overall, there was a significant decrease in the mortality rate from 2007 to 2016. The infant mortality proportions by province showed KwaZulu-Natal Province having the highest IMR (17.5 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 and 6.3 in 2016). Males had a higher IMR (28 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 and 17.7 in 2016) compared with females at 26.7 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 and 13.8 in 2016. IMR data from the 2007 CS was correlated with the 2007 ANCHSS (28% HIV prevalence in 2007), using Spearman's rank-order correlation, which showed a moderate correlation of 0.58 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS. The study findings showed a reduction in the trends of infant mortality between 2007 and 2016 in SA; despite the reduction, health inequalities persist. There is a correlation evident between maternal HIV prevalence and IMR in SA. We recommend the use of disability-adjusted life expectancy in SA to measure population health and introduce robust data sets that can better inform policy.

BACKGROUND. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV helps in closing the gaps for new HIV infections, thereby contributing to achieving the global targets of an AIDS-free generation. OBJECTIVE. To explore knowledge regarding PMTCT among pregnant women in Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa (SA). METHODS. The study was performed in two clinics in Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Gert Sibande District. It was a qualitative and descriptive exploratory study involving in-depth, one-on-one interviews with pregnant women regarding their PMTCT knowledge and perspectives. RESULTS. The study findings showed that pregnant women from the two clinics have a good knowledge of PMTCT. However, they were not aware that caesarean section can minimise mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection. CONCLUSION. PMTCT is important in establishing an HIV-free generation. The study revealed that women had a good understanding of MTCT; nevertheless, additional education is necessary, particularly regarding birthing procedures that minimise the risk of MTCT.