<P> Unsafe medical injections play a significant role in HIV spread in sub-Saharan Africa . In 2007, between 12 and 17% of infections in this region were attributed to medical syringe use . The World Health Organization estimates the risk of transmission as a result of a medical injection in Africa at 1.2% . Significant risks are also associated with invasive procedures, assisted delivery, and dental care in this area of the world . </P> <P> People giving or receiving tattoos, piercings, and scarification are theoretically at risk of infection but no confirmed cases have been documented . It is not possible for mosquitoes or other insects to transmit HIV . </P> <P> HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, during delivery, or through breast milk, resulting in the baby also contracting HIV . This is the third most common way in which HIV is transmitted globally . In the absence of treatment, the risk of transmission before or during birth is around 20% and in those who also breastfeed 35% . As of 2008, vertical transmission accounted for about 90% of cases of HIV in children . With appropriate treatment the risk of mother - to - child infection can be reduced to about 1% . Preventive treatment involves the mother taking antiretrovirals during pregnancy and delivery, an elective caesarean section, avoiding breastfeeding, and administering antiretroviral drugs to the newborn . Antiretrovirals when taken by either the mother or the infant decrease the risk of transmission in those who do breastfeed . However, many of these measures are not available in the developing world . If blood contaminates food during pre-chewing it may pose a risk of transmission . </P> <P> If a woman is untreated, two years of breastfeeding results in an HIV / AIDS risk in her baby of about 17% . Treatment decreases this risk to 1 to 2% per year . Due to the increased risk of death without breastfeeding in many areas in the developing world, the World Health Organization recommends either: (1) the mother and baby being treated with antiretroviral medication while breastfeeding being continued (2) the provision of safe formula . </P>

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