Celebrating 30 Years of Success in Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Milestone

On December 1, 2025, as we observe World AIDS Day, the Bickerstaff Family Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital commemorates an extraordinary achievement—30 continuous years without any mother-to-child HIV transmission. This remarkable milestone underlines the hospital's commitment to safeguarding the health of both mothers and their children.

Recent success includes empowering an HIV-positive mother to breastfeed her baby safely—ensuring the child's health through meticulous medical management. Without proper treatment, the risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding can be substantial. However, the efforts made by the Bickerstaff Family Center demonstrate how thoughtful care and advancements in medical science can alter outcomes significantly.

Dr. Audra Deveikis, the founding medical director of the Bickerstaff Family Center, reflects on the success of their program: "We are immensely proud of our team’s dedication over the past three decades, focusing on delivering exemplary care and education to our community regarding this complex disease."

Through the integration of antiretroviral therapies and careful medical protocols, the risk of transmission from mothers to infants has been reduced significantly, achieving a rate of less than 1%, as reported by the CDC. These therapies have revolutionized HIV management, allowing for unprecedented care. The center's recent pediatric breastfeeding success demonstrates that when a mother's viral load is undetectable, transmission risks remain negligible.

The Bickerstaff Family Center caters to families affected by HIV, ensuring comprehensive care for both mothers and their children. The team, which includes physicians, physician assistants, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and Child Life specialists, has honed specialized protocols to manage treatment effectively and promote long-term health outcomes. Infants born to HIV-positive mothers receive immediate antiretroviral medication and rigorous monitoring for more than 18 months, affirming their healthy status.

Since the inception of this initiative, HIV treatment methodologies have advanced significantly. Initially, when the program began in 1995, there were no effective treatments available; only supportive care existed. Over the years, HIV care has transformed from the use of early monotherapy with AZT (Retrovir) to complex regimes involving multiple daily pill intakes. Currently, patients have the option for long-acting injectable therapies that have greatly improved compliance and outcomes. Now, individuals need only two injections every few months, making treatment more feasible for those struggling with daily medication routines.

UNAIDS reports a 60% decrease in new HIV infections among children worldwide between 2010 and 2025. With adequate treatment, individuals living with HIV can expect life expectancies comparable to those without the virus. The Bickerstaff Family Center collaborates with the Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center, providing families with complete prenatal and postnatal care.

Dr. Jagmohan Batra, the medical director at the Bickerstaff Family Center, emphasizes that "with the right medications, those living with HIV can lead a long and healthy life, akin to those who are HIV-negative. What used to be viewed as a terminal illness is now being managed as a chronic condition, starting with knowing your HIV status."

This World AIDS Day, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital urges the community, particularly expectant mothers, to prioritize HIV testing to combat stigma and advance public health. More information about the Bickerstaff Family Center and their initiatives can be found at millerchildrens.org/bickerstaff or by calling (562) 933-8660.

About MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital

Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is part of the MemorialCare healthcare system and stands as one of California's eight free-standing children's hospitals. Annually, it serves around 13,000 children and offers specialized outpatient services through its Children's Village Outpatient Center and satellite locations. The hospital has achieved recognition for its comprehensive maternal-fetal care services and pediatric expertise, making it a crucial health resource within the region.