SITUATION ANALYSIS
Figure 7: Factors influencing the reproductive rate of HIV transmission
Source: adapted from Rehle et al, 2004 Whilst HIV is spread predominantly through unprotected sexual intercourse, other modes of infection remain important and are summarised below: • Mother-to-child HIV transmission: HIV is transmitted to approximately one third of babies of HIV-positive mothers if there is no medical intervention. Use of antiretroviral drugs, obstetric practices including caesarean delivery, and safe infant feeding practices can reduce transmission to very low levels23. • Blood transfusion: The risk of HIV transmission via infected donor blood is high. However, donor and biological screening procedures allow for risk of HIV transmission through blood donation to be contained. Such procedures are followed rigorously in South Africa and risk is estimated to be very low – 1:400 00024. • Exposure to blood: In healthcare settings HIV can be transmitted between patients and health care workers in both directions via blood on sharp instruments, and may also be transmitted between patients through re-use of contaminated instruments. A number of
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