The role of family planning in elimination of new pediatric HIV infectionWilcher, Rose; Petruney, Tricia; Cates, WillardCurrent Opinion in HIV & AIDS: September 2013 - Volume 8 - Issue 5 - p 490–497 doi: 10.1097/COH.0b013e3283632bd7 PREVENTION OF MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION: Edited by Lynne M. Mofenson Abstract Author Information Purpose of review: We reviewed recent literature on the role of family planning in eliminating new pediatric HIV infections. Recent findings: Global commitments to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections recognize that preventing unintended pregnancies among women with HIV is essential to achieving this goal. However, substantial shortcomings exist in translating this policy support into widespread practice. Programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV continue to be implemented and evaluated as a narrow set of interventions that typically begins in antenatal care, after a woman is already pregnant. In addition, data suggest that women living with HIV experience high rates of unmet need for family planning and unintended pregnancies. Evidence is growing that integrating family planning and HIV services is an effective strategy for increasing access to contraception among women with HIV who do not wish to become pregnant. A number of health system obstacles must be resolved to achieve effective, sustained delivery of integrated services at scale. Summary: Prevention of unintended pregnancies among women with HIV must be elevated as a programmatic priority. By strengthening family planning programs for all women, and better integrating family planning and HIV services, progress toward ending new pediatric HIV infections will be accelerated. Correspondence to Rose Wilcher, FHI 360, 2224 E NC Hwy 54, Durham, NC 27713, USA. Tel: +1 919 544 7040ext11406; fax: +1 919 544 7261; e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org Copyright © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.