Brazil Validated for Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

Over the past decade, more than 50,000 pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections have been averted in the Region of the Americas as a result of reduced mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV.

According to the World Health Organization announcement on December 18, 2025, the Federative Republic of Brazil was recently validated for the elimination of EMTCT of HIV.

Brazil is the most populous and recent country in the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to achieve this historic milestone.

The WHO stated in a press release that Brazil reduced vertical transmission of HIV to below 2% and achieved over 95% coverage for prenatal care, routine HIV testing, and timely treatment for pregnant women living with HIV.

In addition to meeting the targets of the validation, Brazil demonstrated the delivery of quality services for mothers and their infants, robust data and laboratory systems, and a strong commitment to human rights, gender equality, and community engagement.

"This achievement shows that eliminating vertical transmission of HIV is possible when pregnant women know their HIV status, receive timely treatment, and have access to maternal health services and safe delivery," stated Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.

"It is also the result of the tireless dedication of thousands of health professionals, community health workers, and civil society organizations. Every day, they sustain the continuity of care, identify obstacles, and work to overcome them, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations can access essential health services."

In 2024, Brazil saw about 55,000 new HIV cases, with around 1.1 million people living with HIV.

According to PAHO, Cuba, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were recognized by the WHO in 2024 for EMTCT of HIV.

These countries and Brazil's achievements differ from those of other countries in the Americas.

Countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, and Peru also showed a growing trend.

Based on an analysis published in October 2025, Bolivia showed consistent and statistically significant growth in the HIV incidence rate, with an increase of 83.8% over the last decade.

In contrast, Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela showed declines or stagnation, although this data may be due to underreporting. Some countries need to strengthen actions and services to monitor and break the chain of transmission, wrote these researchers.

From a disease prevention perspective, the WHO released new guidelines in July 2025 recommending the use of injectable lenacapavir twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis option for HIV prevention.