There is very little data on the prevalence of HIV amongst children in Zimbabwe.  A couple of small, non-representative samples have shown higher HIV prevalence than expected from the survival of infants acquiring infection through mother-to-child transmission (including breast-feeding), which is the principal mode of infection amongst children. The extent of other sources of childhood infection including medically-acquired infection and, in teenagers, initiation of sexual activity, needs to be quantified so that interventions can be developed and targeted, where necessary.

Data on HIV prevalence, HIV incidence and mortality by infection status in children will be collected by extending the eligible age-range in the fifth and sixth rounds of the Manicaland Study to include a random sample of approximately 3,000 2-14 year-olds. Data on exposure to medically-acquired infection, domestic exposure (e.g. during home-based care), sexual abuse, and early onset of sexual activity will be collected so that the extent of these as modes of childhood HIV infection can be assessed. Data on access and uptake of PMTCT services, antiretroviral therapy and other HIV/AIDS related services will also be collected so that their coverage and impact can be evaluated.

- Constance Nyamukapa
- Simon Gregson
- Laura Robertson
- Lorraine Sherr