Addressing the Specific Needs of Women Who Use Drugs - Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Syphilis

This technical brief provides guidance for the provision of equitable, evidence-informed and human-rights-based services for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis among women who use drugs, and to support countries in their efforts towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT).

All women who use drugs should have at least the same access to evidence-based, comprehensive PMTCT services as women in other populations, provided as part of an integrated sexual and reproductive health package including HIV prevention, contraception, antenatal testing, care for women diagnosed with HIV, syphilis or viral hepatitis, STI case management, and services for survivors of gender-based violence. Women should not be excluded from health care because of their substance use. All interventions should be voluntary, with informed consent and maintenance of confidentiality, including about a person’s drug use or HIV status.