Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
HIV INFECTION AND THE SITUATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN: 2024
REGIONAL STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Komilov Zafarbek Mirzaolimovich
Cenrtal Asian Medical University
Abstract:
This article analyzes the detection, prevention, and statistics of HIV infection
among pregnant women in the region for the year 2024. Mother-to-child transmission of
HIV can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. To reduce the risk of virus
transmission, prenatal screening, antiretroviral therapy, and special measures during delivery
are crucial. In the region, 100% of pregnant women underwent HIV testing, with the number
of newly detected cases remaining stable. Infection spread is more prominent in certain areas,
with migration and sexual partners playing significant roles. The regional healthcare system
conducts systematic monitoring of pregnant women and their families, implementing
measures to reduce vertical HIV transmission. The article emphasizes the importance of
strengthening prevention efforts to ensure a healthy generation.
Keywords:
HIV, pregnancy, mother-to-child transmission, antiretroviral therapy, prenatal
screening, vertical transmission, HIV prevention, sexual partners, migration, regional
statistics, healthcare, pregnant women, HIV infection, medical monitoring, viral load
reduction
Relevance of the Topic:
Detection and prevention of HIV infection during pregnancy is a
crucial issue for public health and the well-being of future generations. Mother-to-child
transmission of the virus can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The
effectiveness of treatment and preventive measures plays a key role in reducing the spread of
the virus. The stability of HIV infection cases across the region and the increase in some
areas demand strengthening prevention efforts. Therefore, comprehensive screening, timely
treatment, and medical supervision of pregnant women are vital to ensure the birth of
healthy offspring, making this topic both urgent and a priority.
HIV during pregnancy refers to the presence of HIV/AIDS infection in a pregnant woman.
The risk of mother-to-child transmission exists primarily in three stages: pregnancy, delivery,
and breastfeeding. This issue is significant because appropriate medical interventions can
substantially reduce the risk of virus transmission, while untreated HIV/AIDS can lead to
severe illness and death in both mother and child. For example, data from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that between 2014 and 2017, among 10,257
infants born in the United States and Puerto Rico, mother-to-child transmission was
preventable with proper prenatal care.
The severity of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, including mother-to-child transmission,
disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly those in Southern
Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that annually, 1.3 million women
and girls living with HIV become pregnant.
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
Appropriate prenatal screening, treatment of HIV infection with antiretroviral therapy
(ART), and adherence to postpartum recommendations significantly reduce the risk of
neonatal HIV infection and maternal complications. It is important to emphasize that
without antiretroviral drugs, obstetric intervention, and breastfeeding guidelines, the risk of
mother-to-child HIV transmission is approximately 30%. When the aforementioned
measures are implemented, this risk decreases to less than 1%.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends HIV
testing as a routine part of pre-pregnancy and first-trimester prenatal care to ensure timely
and appropriate interventions.
Women living with HIV may choose to become pregnant if they wish, but it is
recommended that they consult with their healthcare providers beforehand. Notably, 20–
34% of women living with HIV in the United States are unaware of their diagnosis until
they become pregnant or undergo prenatal screening.
HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn in three ways: during
pregnancy (in utero) through the placenta, during childbirth through contact with infected
maternal blood and genital secretions, or postpartum through breastfeeding. This type of
viral transmission is also called vertical transmission.
Mother-to-child HIV transmission most often occurs during delivery when the infant comes
into direct contact with infected maternal blood or genital secretions in the birth canal.
Treating the mother with ART before delivery reduces the viral load in her blood and other
bodily fluids, significantly lowering the likelihood of transmitting the virus to the infant
during birth.
The clinical presentation of HIV in untreated infants is more severe and distinct compared to
adults. It is important to note that if HIV is diagnosed early and appropriate treatment is
provided, symptoms and complications in the infant occur less frequently. Without ART
therapy, infants born with HIV have a poor prognosis.
If symptoms develop, the most common signs include persistent fever, generalized
lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes), enlargement of the spleen and/or liver, growth
retardation, and diarrhea. These children are also at risk of opportunistic infections such as
recurrent oral thrush (candidiasis) and/or Candida diaper rash, pneumonia, or invasive
bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections.
Neurological symptoms, particularly HIV encephalopathy, are common in untreated HIV-
infected infants.
Research Objective:
Based on the analysis of HIV/AIDS disease, the aim is to promote
disease prevention and healthy lifestyles among pregnant women.
Materials and Methods:
The following methods were used in conducting the research:
1.
Statistical method
2.
Questionnaire (survey) method
3.
Laboratory IFA (Immunofluorescence Assay) method
The issue of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in Uzbekistan remains one of
the priority directions of the public health system today. In particular, detecting and
preventing HIV infection among pregnant women is of great importance for protecting
public health. In 2024, statistics on HIV infection and testing among pregnant women in the
region show changes compared to the previous year. This article analyzes the detection of
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
HIV infection among pregnant women in the region, as well as the effectiveness of
prevention and control measures.
1. HIV Testing and Overall Status of Pregnant Women.
In 2024, the number of pregnant
women registered in the region increased significantly. While 104,639 pregnant women
were tested in 2023, this figure rose to 111,282 in 2024, an increase of 7,051. This growth
also led to an increase in the number of HIV tests conducted among pregnant women. In
2024, all pregnant women (100%) were subjected to laboratory testing using the
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) method under code 109. This indicates comprehensive
monitoring of HIV infection among pregnant women across the region. Additionally, while
HIV was detected in 13 pregnant women in 2023, this number reached 14 in 2024. Although
this change is not statistically significant, it shows that new HIV cases continue to be
identified. However, statistical analysis indicates that the number of pregnant women tested
in 2024 increased by 7,051 compared to 2023.
2. Geographic Distribution and Newly Identified HIV Cases.
Among the 14 newly
diagnosed pregnant women, a higher prevalence of the virus was observed in certain areas.
Specifically, in the central regions — Margilan city and Dangara district each reported 3
cases; Quva district reported 2 cases; and one case each was recorded in Fergana, Kokand
cities, as well as in Oltiariq, Toshloq, Uzbekistan, and Qo‘shtepa districts. This indicates an
increase or ongoing transmission of infection in some parts of the region, highlighting the
need for focused attention from healthcare authorities.
3. Pregnant Women Previously Diagnosed with HIV and Their Medical Supervision.
In
the region, 108 pregnant women living with HIV and already under dispensary supervision
were registered. Most of them were in their first or second pregnancy, with the main groups
residing in Fergana (9), Kokand (10), Margilan (20), Dangara (11), and other districts. This
situation highlights the necessity of monitoring HIV infection among pregnant women and
organizing specialized healthcare services for them. In particular, it is crucial that these
women receive quality medical care during pregnancy and that measures are taken to
prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
4. HIV Testing of Pregnant Women by Codes.
In 2024, 108 pregnant women under
dispensary supervision underwent HIV testing based on various codes. Among them, 18
were tested under code 109, 13 under code 101, 6 under code 105, 4 under code 106, 39
under code 113, 12 under code 115, 10 under code 116, and 6 under code 117.
The distribution of these codes indicates that testing is targeted at different risk groups, and
HIV prevention measures are being implemented comprehensively. For example, code 113
corresponds to testing of family members or sexual partners, code 115 to testing of
individuals about to marry, code 116 to testing of migrants, and code 117 covers youth and
children.
5. Sexual Partners and Migration Factor.
A high prevalence of HIV infection was
detected among the sexual partners of pregnant women. According to the test results, 64
sexual partners tested positive for the virus. Among them, 43 were linked to migration,
while 65 were not involved in migration. This indicates that migration plays a significant
role in the spread of HIV infection and highlights the need to strengthen prevention and
Vo
lu
m
e
5,
M
ay
,2
02
5
,
M
ED
IC
AL
SC
IE
N
CE
S.
IM
PA
CT
FA
CT
OR
:7
,8
9
detection efforts both among local populations and migrant groups. It is also noted that the
majority of pregnant women were under dispensary supervision together with their spouses,
many of whom later entered into official marriages.
6. Cases of Vertical Transmission.
In 2024, three cases of vertical HIV transmission were
recorded in the region - where the virus was transmitted from mother to child during
pregnancy or childbirth. These cases were identified in Beshariq, Qo‘shtepa, and Bo‘g‘dod
districts, with epidemiological investigations confirming them. To prevent vertical
transmission, timely HIV testing of pregnant women, antiretroviral therapy, and special
measures during delivery are crucial. Strengthening targeted programs is required to reduce
new infection cases among children.
Conclusion
Although the detection rate of HIV infection among pregnant women in the
region remained unchanged in 2024 compared to the previous year, the overall increase in
the number of pregnant women and newly identified cases demands serious attention to HIV
prevention within the healthcare system. A systematic approach is being implemented,
including 100% testing coverage for all pregnant women, dispensary monitoring of women
living with HIV, monitoring of sexual partners, and measures to reduce vertical transmission.
Through enhanced cooperation between regional health authorities and social institutions,
improvement of epidemiological investigations, and strengthening of educational activities,
it is possible to reduce the spread of HIV infection and contribute to raising a healthy
generation.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV and Pregnancy.
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/gender/pregnancy/index.html
(Oxirgi kirish vaqti: 2025).
2. World Health Organization (WHO). Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Geneva: WHO; 2023.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Practice Bulletin No.
191: Optimizing Postpartum Care. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;131(5):e140-e150.
4. UNAIDS.
Global
HIV
&
AIDS
statistics
—
2024
fact
sheet.
https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet.
5. Fawzi, W.W., Msamanga, G.I., Spiegelman, D., et al. Randomized trial of vitamin
supplements in relation to transmission of HIV-1 through breastfeeding and early infant
mortality. AIDS. 2002;16(14):1935-1944.
6. Tashkent Regional Health Department. 2024 Yearly Report on HIV Screening and
Prevention among Pregnant Women. 2025.
7. Cohen, M.S., Chen, Y.Q., McCauley, M., et al. Prevention of HIV-1 infection with early
antiretroviral therapy. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(6):493-505.
8. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Prevention of mother-to-
child transmission (PMTCT) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 2023.
