The Ministry of Health and Services has revealed that among the 552 reported cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 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, during the launch of an Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Coverage Survey Training at the FNU Campus in Tamavua.
Dr. Devi mentioned that the primary mode of transmission in this case was mother-to-child. She emphasized the need for more immunisation surveys, highlighting that vaccinations have significantly reduced the mortality rates among young children. Although there is a possibility of transmission, Dr. Devi noted that many mothers who are HIV positive have successfully delivered babies who tested negative for the virus.
She explained the principle of “you equal to you,” stating that individuals who are HIV positive and adhere to their treatment can suppress their viral load to undetectable levels, which prevents transmission to partners. Dr. Devi urged mothers to schedule their appointments and get tested during their pregnancies.
The training program aims to engage the community through random household surveys, collaborating closely with the Bureau of Statistics, UNICEF, and WHO. Dr. Devi encouraged mothers to overcome their fears and seek testing, assuring them that many babies are born healthy despite their mothers being HIV positive. She urged individuals to come forward for testing and receive their results, stressing the importance of treatment and awareness to avoid losing lives to untreated HIV.