Multisector global collaboration to advance the inclusion of pregnant and lactating people in HIV prevention research

In many countries, notably in Africa, pregnancy and lactation are characterized by increased HIV acquisition risks due to biological, psychosocial, behavioral, and socio-cultural factors. HIV acquisition during pregnancy and lactation contributed to the 350 000 infections among girls aged 15+ and accounted for one-quarter of vertical HIV infections in the African region in 2023. Therefore, there is an urgent need for access to HIV prevention options during pregnancy and lactation.