At the first prenatal checkup, get tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B; even if HIV is found, there is free blocking of transmission to the baby

Cost

HIV counseling and the initial screening test are free under the regulations. For syphilis and hepatitis B, national documents do not say they are free; ask the prenatal checkup hospital whether there is a charge.

What you get

Mother-to-child transmission means the disease passing from mother to baby. The Standards for Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B (2020 edition) (《预防艾滋病、梅毒和乙肝母婴传播工作规范（2020 年版）》) set requirements. At the first prenatal visit, the hospital must give the relevant information and “provide appropriate, standardized testing, and follow-up counseling based on the results.” For anyone whose status is still unclear before delivery, the default is to treat her as infected. For pregnant and postpartum women found to have syphilis, the Standards require “standardized penicillin treatment as early as possible,” and preventive penicillin treatment for the baby immediately after birth. For those positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, antiviral treatment is given, for those who meet the conditions, after informed consent. A positive result is not the end of the road. Article 23 of the Regulations on AIDS Prevention and Treatment (《艾滋病防治条例》) provides that people who voluntarily accept HIV counseling and testing are given “free counseling and initial screening tests.” Article 44 provides that pregnant and postpartum women infected with HIV are given “free treatment and counseling to prevent mother-to-child transmission of AIDS.” Article 43 requires services including blocking transmission (keeping the disease from passing to the baby), treatment, postpartum visits, and follow-up and testing of the infant. If the mother is positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen, the newborn must receive the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin together at birth (see §20.2).

Notes

The earlier these three are tested, the more useful it is, because blocking transmission and treatment both take time. Article 3 of the Regulations on AIDS Prevention and Treatment also states: “No organization or individual may discriminate against people infected with HIV, AIDS patients or their family members,” and their lawful rights in marriage, employment, medical care and schooling are protected by law. For everyday prevention and testing, see §1. For post-exposure prophylaxis after a high-risk exposure, see §13.

Evidence grade

A : Specific numbers from meta-analyses, large cohorts or randomized trials; for law and policy, the statute or official text.

Sources

1. General Office of the National Health Commission (2020). Work Standards for Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B (2020 edition) [in Chinese]. https://wjw.xinjiang.gov.cn/hfpc/zhgl6/202012/08b7de496f0b40e586d4b99d00cf79c4.shtml (republished by the Health Commission of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region)
2. State Council (2006). Regulations on the Prevention and Treatment of AIDS (Articles 23, 43 and 44) [in Chinese]. https://wjw.beijing.gov.cn/zwgk_20040/zcwj2022/flfg/202304/t20230408_2992986.html (republished by the Beijing Municipal Health Commission)

Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 27, tip 3. This section is about health and medicines. It is general information, not a substitute for a doctor’s diagnosis or prescription. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer