Brazil reduces vertical HIV transmission, requests PAHO certification
On Tuesday (Jun. 3), Health Minister Alexandre Padilha delivered a report to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) presenting data on the reduction of mother-to-child HIV transmission, known as vertical transmission.
In 2023, the rate fell below 2 percent, and the incidence of HIV in children was under 0.5 cases per 1,000 live births.
The report was presented in Rio de Janeiro during the XV Congress of the Brazilian Society of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (SBDST), the XI Brazilian AIDS Congress, and the VI Latin American STI/HIV/AIDS Congress.
Based on these results, Brazil is seeking international certification for the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
The minister highlighted that the dossier clearly demonstrates Brazil is the largest country in the world to have achieved the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
“This achievement also reflects the tireless efforts of health professionals, states, municipalities, and the reconstruction of the SUS [Brazil’s public healthcare network], now firmly led by President Lula,” Padilha stated.
Cristian Morales, PAHO’s representative in Brazil, highlighted the country’s achievements, noting that Brazil could 19 other nations worldwide that have eliminated vertical transmission.
“And most importantly, thousands of women can now fulfill their dream of becoming mothers and bringing children into the world without the risk of living with HIV. However, we now face the challenge of securing sustained funding to preserve these results,” he added.
Strategies
According to the Ministry of Health, Brazil’s AIDS mortality rate in 2023 was 3.9 deaths per 100,000 people, the lowest since 2013. In both 2023 and 2024, the country achieved over 95 percent coverage for at least one prenatal visit, HIV testing of pregnant women, and treatment for pregnant women living with HIV and/or AIDS.
Prevention strategies were also pointed out, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which had 184,619 s in 2025. The ministry considers free distribution through the SUS essential to preventing HIV infection. Another key focus is the expansion of rapid HIV and syphilis testing, with pregnant women given priority.
