The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has reported a total of 552 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) this year, with the youngest affected individual being less than one year old. This information was shared by Dr. Rachael Devi, the Head of Family Health, during the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Immunisation Coverage Survey Training at the Fiji National University Campus in Tamavua.
Dr. Devi highlighted that the primary mode of transmission in this case is from mother to child. She emphasized the urgent need for increased immunisation coverage, which has been crucial in reducing mortality rates among young children. Despite the reported cases, Dr. Devi noted that there are increasing instances where babies are born HIV-negative, even when their mothers are HIV-positive.
She explained, “We’ve had many mothers who were HIV positive give birth to HIV-negative babies.” Dr. Devi referred to the concept of “you equal to you,” which underscores that individuals on effective treatment can suppress their viral load to undetectable levels, eliminating the risk of transmission to partners.
The doctor encouraged expectant mothers to seek testing early in their pregnancies. She mentioned that the immunisation coverage training will extend into the community, involving random assessments of households in collaboration with the Bureau of Statistics, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization.
Dr. Devi urged mothers not to fear HIV testing, assuring them that many healthy babies have been born to treated mothers. She called for people to come forward for testing, warning that a lack of knowledge and refusal of treatment can lead to loss of life. “Get tested and receive your results,” she appealed to the public.