The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has disclosed that among the 552 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases recorded this year, the youngest individual infected is below the age of one.
This information was presented by Dr. Rachael Devi, the Head of Family Health at the Ministry, during the inauguration of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Coverage Survey Training held at the Fiji National University (FNU) campus in Tamavua.
Dr. Devi highlighted that the primary mode of transmission in this case was from mother to child.
She underscored the necessity of conducting more immunisation vaccination surveys, acknowledging that vaccinations have played a significant role in reducing child mortality rates. Despite the concerns, Dr. Devi pointed out that there is an increasing possibility for babies to be born HIV-negative, even if their mothers are HIV-positive.
“We have many mothers who came in HIV positive and delivered HIV-negative babies,” Dr. Devi stated. She introduced the concept of “you equal to you,” which implies that individuals on effective treatment can suppress their viral load to an undetectable level, thus not transmitting the virus to their partners.
Dr. Devi urged expectant mothers to seek medical attention and get tested during their pregnancies. “This immunisation training aims to engage various households, partnering with the Bureau of Statistics, UNICEF, and WHO, to implement a thorough two-week training and subsequently roll out survey coverage in the community,” she explained.
She encouraged mothers to overcome their fears and seek testing, reassuring them that many babies are being born healthy. “We conduct testing across the board, but we need individuals to come forward for testing. We have seen cases of patients lost due to ignorance and those who refuse treatment. It’s crucial to get tested and know your status,” Dr. Devi appealed.