Expectant mothers are increasingly testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and drug use at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) maternity ward. Salote Tukana, the nurse unit manager for the maternity ward, noted a rise in such cases, alongside an uptick in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases among these mothers.
Recent data from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed a concerning trend, with 552 new HIV cases reported between January and June 2024. This follows a review of 2023, where 415 new cases were identified, up from 245 in 2022.
Tukana expressed that the combination of NCDs and pregnancy poses significant challenges. When mothers arrive without such complications, they typically spend a short time in the ward, but complications from NCDs require more extensive care and resources from the medical staff. The ministry continues to emphasize tackling NCDs, recognizing their growing presence among expectant mothers.
The statistics show that a notable percentage of the newly diagnosed HIV cases are among younger individuals, with a significant number of cases occurring in the 15-29 age range. While the majority of HIV cases involve individuals under 39, the health concerns do extend to older populations as well.
Tukana highlighted an alarming connection: a noticeable rise in drug-related cases associated with HIV among pregnant women. She expressed empathy for these mothers, especially within the iTaukei community, and urged young people to avoid drug use, which complicates their health battles.
In response to these alarming trends, there is hope that increased awareness and public health initiatives can help reduce both HIV and NCD cases among expectant mothers. Programs aimed at education and prevention within communities could be pivotal in reversing this trend and fostering healthier futures for both mothers and their children.
Leave a comment