A review: Update on vertical transmission of HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV] infection has always been recognized as most pressing global public health matter and is one of the top 10 of global cause of death in low-income countries. It is well known that sources of infection of HIV can be from intravenous drug user, heterosexual activity and men who have sex with men but in this article the prime focus is mother-to-child transmission [MTCT]. Aspects such as poverty and unbalanced social economic status of women exacerbates the vulnerability to HIV infection. Thus, the first principle of Sustainable Development Goals is to end poverty which will indirectly contribute to reduction of HIV transmission. In Malaysia effective interventions such as universal antenatal screening, antiretroviral therapy [ART] and counselling on avoidance of breastfeeding have make certain the rate of mother to children transmission of HIV to reduce dramatically. As a 3^rd world country, Thailand, has successfully eliminate the transmission despite lack of resources while 1^st world countries such as, United States of America, Western Europe, and their allies, are still engaging the problem. To approach this problem, various strategical measures have been adapted by different countries. The contents of this article mainly focus on various aspects including epidemiology, factors, route of transmission, management, and prevention of HIV, and challenge faced in eliminating vertical transmission.