Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS The PMTCT programme of the Department of Health falls under the area of maternal health, and is the flagship programme of the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Department of Health. This programme aligns itself with the Millennium Development Goals as it relates to the reduction in maternal death and the department through this programme, is actively trying to meet the MDG targets. In respect of the main causes of maternal death in the province, infection, as a result of HIV accounts for 45% of maternal fatalities. According to a study conducted in 2008, latest statistics show that KwaZulu Natal has a HIV prevalence of 38.7%, which rates as one of the highest in the country. As mentioned previously, the province has a predominantly youth population. The purpose of the programme is early determination of the HIV status of mothers to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS to infants either during pregnancy and delivery. This is a free programme that focuses on early detection, counselling and the management of the anti-retroviral medication to HIV positive mothers during pregnancy and delivery. The CD4 count of the HIV positive mothers is closely monitored both during pregnancy and delivery. Post natally, the mothers also receive training on infant feeding and follow up home visits, and this facilitates management of HIV/AIDS within the home.