Worried over the high prevalence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Maharashtra, the state government has decided to launch an awareness campaign across the state to reduce this risk.

The information revealed by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) to the Maharashtra government recently, stated high rate of HIV transmission from mother to baby.

"It was shocking to know the high transmission rate of HIV from mother to the infant despite the state having highest number of institutional deliveries," Health Minister Suresh Shetty said.

To reduce the transmission rate, the Health Department has decided to start an awareness campaign across the state wherein legislators would be roped in to intensify the drive and increase its reach at grass-root level, Shetty said.

The government would ensure that medicines are provided to HIV positive mothers to prevent the infant infection, the minister said.