The Ministry of Health and Services has disclosed that among the 552 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases reported this year, the youngest individual affected is under one year old. This information was shared by Dr. Rachael Devi, Head of Family Health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, during the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Immunisation Coverage Survey Training at the FNU Campus in Tamavua.
Dr. Devi explained that the primary mode of transmission is from mother to child. She emphasized the significance of conducting more immunisation vaccination surveys, highlighting that vaccination has played a crucial role in reducing the mortality rate among young children.
According to Dr. Devi, while the risk of a baby being born with HIV is acknowledged, there are also numerous instances of HIV-positive mothers giving birth to HIV-negative babies. She described the concept of “you equal to you,” which suggests that individuals with HIV who adhere to their treatment and whose viral load is suppressed to undetectable levels do not transmit the virus to their partners.
Dr. Devi urged mothers to attend prenatal appointments and get tested during their pregnancies. She mentioned that the immunisation coverage training involves fieldwork, where random household checks will be conducted in collaboration with the Bureau of Statistics, UNICEF, and WHO. This initiative will include a two-week training period followed by ground-level coverage.
Encouraging mothers, Dr. Devi said, “Don’t be scared, come in and get tested. We’ve had many healthy babies born.” She reiterated the importance of testing and urged individuals to come forward for their results, warning that ignorance and refusal of treatment have led to lost lives.