Vertical transmission rates and HIV children’s infection fell by 2023, paving the way for PAHO/WHO certification
Brazil registered in 2023 a rate of less than 2% of vertical transmission of HIV-when the virus is passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding-less than 0.5 case by live live births of HIV in children, according to data presented by Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, PAHO/WHO (Pan American Health Organization).
The delivery of the report took place on Tuesday (3.JUN.2025), during the opening of the XV Congress of the Brazilian Society of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, in Rio de Janeiro. The document brings together advances that can accredit Brazil to the international certification of eliminating the vertical transmission of HIV.
“This is a historical moment. This result is the result of the dedication of health professionals, the work of states and municipalities and the strengthening of SUS, under the leadership of President Lula and Minister Nísia Trindade”declared Padilha.
The election is part of the Healthy Brazil Program, which aims to eliminate, by 2030, the vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, Chagas disease and HTLV as public health problems. Certification symbolizes recognition of articulated efforts between governments, civil society, gym and technical institutions.
With free access to SUS testing and treatment, prevention strategies have also been reinforced, such as the use of PREP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which already has over 184,000 users in the country.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has expanded testing coverage in pregnant women with the distribution of fast tests combined to HIV and syphilis, strengthening prenatal care and further reducing the risk of vertical transmission.
Certification in states and municipalities
Brazil also implemented the International PAHO/WHO model at the subnational level. States and municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants can already obtain certifications related to the elimination of vertical transmission from various diseases. To date, 151 municipalities and seven states have won some kind of seal, totaling 228 current certifications.
The goal is that, by 2025, 70 more municipalities and 10 states are certified, expanding the achievement of the initiative and contributing to national objectives.
Technical visit and strengthening of SUS
Still in Rio, the minister visited three centers of excellence in health to reinforce the program Now there are specialistsfocused on reducing queues in SUS. The initiative has already begun to be implemented in the state and seeks to expand access to specialized attention through the integration of data, partnerships and strategic use of technology.
“With this articulation between spheres of government and public and private institutions, we will guarantee a more efficient, human and less waiting SUS for those who need it most.”concluded Padilha.
