HIV Vulnerability Among Adolescent Mothers: A Critical Gap in Care

Adolescent girls and young women bear a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections globally. For those who become mothers, particularly in resource-limited settings, pregnancy and breastfeeding represent periods of heightened vulnerability to HIV acquisition and transmission. Recent research presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2026 highlights the require to re-evaluate current approaches to risk understanding and mitigation within this population.

Understanding the Increased Risk

Pregnancy and the postpartum period introduce unique physiological and social factors that can increase the risk of HIV infection among adolescent mothers. These include hormonal changes, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, and potential disruptions in healthcare access. Breastfeeding, while crucial for infant health, can also transmit HIV if the mother is not receiving effective antiretroviral therapy (ART).

CROI 2026 Findings

At CROI 2026, Elona Toska, MSc, DPhil, an adolescent health researcher at the Centre for Social Science Research at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, presented research mapping the epidemiology of HIV among adolescent and young mothers aged 10 to 24 years in high-burden communities. Toska’s function underscores the importance of understanding the specific contexts and vulnerabilities faced by this group to develop targeted interventions.

Key Experts and Research Institutions

Several leading researchers and institutions are dedicated to addressing HIV/AIDS and adolescent health. These include:

• Elona Toska (Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town): Focuses on sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and adolescent interventions. Google Scholar Profile
• Lucie Cluver (University of Cape Town and University of Oxford): Professor of Child and Family Social Work.
• Linda-Gail Bekker (University of Cape Town): Delivered the N’Galy-Mann Lecture at CROI 2026, recognizing her significant contributions to HIV/AIDS research. CROI 2026 Program
• Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University: Contributes to HIV and tuberculosis research in South Africa.

The Importance of the Postpartum Period

The postpartum period is a critical gap in HIV care, often characterized by reduced access to healthcare services and increased social and economic challenges. This period presents a unique opportunity to re-engage women in care and provide comprehensive support, including ART, family planning services, and psychosocial support.

CROI 2026 Highlights

The 33rd Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), held February 22-25, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, featured presentations from leading researchers, including:

• Sharon Lewin (University of Melbourne)
• Peter Staley (PrEP4All)
• Wesley I. Sundquist (University of Utah)
• Todd T. Brown (Johns Hopkins University)
• Jeanne M. Marrazzo (Infectious Diseases Society of America)
• Kevin O. Saunders (Duke University)
• Anneke Hesseling (Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University)

Looking Ahead

Addressing the HIV epidemic among adolescent mothers requires a multifaceted approach that integrates biomedical interventions with social and behavioral strategies. Further research is needed to understand the specific drivers of HIV risk in different contexts and to develop tailored interventions that meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers is essential to close the critical gap in care and improve the health and well-being of adolescent mothers and their children.