Observed annually on December 1st, World AIDS Day focuses global attention on the HIV/AIDS epidemic and underscores the importance of continued prevention and treatment efforts.Thailand is marking the day with continued success in its national program to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a milestone achieved in 2016 and reaffirmed by sustained low infection rates among infants born to mothers living with the virus. The country’s robust diagnostic testing network and proactive case management are key to progressing toward the ambitious global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Thailand Maintains Low Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Rates, Supports Infant Testing
December 1, 2025 – Thailand continues to make significant strides in preventing the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies, with ongoing success in diagnostic testing for infants born to mothers living with AIDS. The country is bolstering support for HIV-1 diagnostic testing in these infants, aiming for a future free of AIDS.
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, promoting understanding and acceptance of those living with the virus. This global effort highlights the importance of prevention, control, and support for individuals affected by HIV.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health mandates HIV testing for all children born to mothers with HIV. The Department of Medical Science (DMS), with a network of 15 central and regional laboratories, utilizes Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology – an internationally recognized standard – to diagnose HIV-1 infection in infants under 18 months old. This highly sensitive and accurate method allows for early detection, enabling prompt treatment and significantly reducing mortality rates among infected infants.
In fiscal year 2025, 3,500 pregnant women were diagnosed with HIV. Subsequent testing of their newborns by the DMS identified 40 infants with the infection, resulting in a mother-to-child transmission rate of 1.14%. This data underscores the effectiveness of Thailand’s preventative measures.
Thailand’s success in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission is a result of collaboration between the DMS’s laboratory network and various public and private sector partners. A key component of this success is the proactive approach through Active Case Management (ACC), which ensures timely diagnosis and access to treatment for at-risk infants.
Dr. Srawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Science, stated: “Thailand continues to maintain its success in reducing mother-to-child transmission rates, currently at 1.46%.” This achievement led to WHO recognition in 2016, certifying Thailand as having eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission due to a rate below 2%. Thailand was the first country in Asia and the second globally to achieve this milestone.
“The Department of Medical Science will continue to develop and improve the quality of laboratory diagnostic services, integrating efforts with all sectors to support Thailand in achieving its goal of “Ending AIDS by 2030” sustainably,” Dr. Boonsuk added.
