the primary cause of pediatric aids in the us is from
HIV/AIDS HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, during delivery, or through breast milk, resulting in the baby also contracting HIV.[75][76] This is the third most common way in which HIV is transmitted globally.[12] In the absence of treatment, the risk of transmission before or during birth is around 20% and in those who also breastfeed 35%.[75] As of 2008, vertical transmission accounted for about 90% of cases of HIV in children.[75] With appropriate treatment the risk of mother-to-child infection can be reduced to about 1%.[75] Preventive treatment involves the mother taking antiretrovirals during pregnancy and delivery, an elective caesarean section, avoiding breastfeeding, and administering antiretroviral drugs to the newborn.[77] Antiretrovirals when taken by either the mother or the infant decrease the risk of transmission in those who do breastfeed.[78] However, many of these measures are not available in the developing world.[77] If blood contaminates food during pre-chewing it may pose a risk of transmission.[73]