The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has reported six cases of mother-to-child HIV transmission so far this year. Dr. Rachel Devi, head of Family Health, indicated that approximately 13 cases of mother-to-child transmission have been noted in 2023.
Dr. Devi emphasized that efforts are being implemented nationwide to address this issue. She noted that if a woman who is HIV-positive and not receiving treatment becomes pregnant, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to her child. However, she pointed out that if these mothers engage in antiretroviral therapy, they can effectively prevent transmission, ensuring the child is born without the virus. Following birth, the child undergoes testing and treatment to confirm their health status.
In comparison to the same period last year, the numbers are relatively similar, possibly showing a slight decrease. Dr. Devi mentioned that a clearer picture will emerge by the end of the year. A key initiative is to ensure that every pregnant woman who interacts with the healthcare system is tested for HIV, knows her status, and receives treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
She also discussed a potential correlation between mother-to-child transmission and other methods of HIV transmission, including a process referred to as “bluetoothing,” which involves sharing needles. Dr. Devi noted that many patients have acknowledged engaging in injectable drug use, which has been identified as a contributing factor to the spread of HIV in Fiji.
Dr. Devi urged HIV-positive mothers to seek testing and start antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of passing the virus to their babies. She emphasized the benefits of early treatment, stating that it lowers the mother’s viral load and improves her health while also reducing transmission risk.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services recently disclosed that among the 552 new HIV cases registered from January to June, 85 individuals identified themselves as injectable drug users.