Thailand Eliminates Mother-To-Child Transmission Of HIV

The World Health Organization declared Thailand as the first country in Asia to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

The milestone is another step in Thailand's aggressive campaign to reduce new cases of the AIDS virus, but experts warn many other problems still exist - including a rising rate of new HIV infections among gay men and transgender people.

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Thai health authorities said the number of women newly infected with HIV fell to 1,900 in 2014, from 15,000 in 2000. Widespread testing, and universal distribution of antiretroviral drugs have helped hundreds of thousands to deal with their positive status, and prevent transmission to their families.

It is a remarkable achievement for a country that was in the grip of an HIV epidemic a decade ago.