At the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) maternity ward, healthcare professionals have observed a concerning rise in expectant mothers testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and drug use. Salote Tukana, the nurse unit manager of the Maternity Ward, highlighted that in addition to HIV cases, there is also an increase in mothers with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed 552 new HIV diagnoses from January to June 2024, a significant jump from 415 cases in 2023 and 245 in 2022. Tukana expressed concern about the implications of pregnancy in conjunction with NCDs, stating, “If we have six deliveries and the six mothers come with NCDs, that’s an added responsibility.”
Complications arising from NCDs can complicate deliveries, leading to more demanding care for health professionals. Moreover, the health ministry has noted specific age demographics among the new HIV cases, with 73 percent occurring in individuals younger than 39 years, demonstrating a distressing trend particularly affecting youth.
Tukana also pointed out the growing instance of drug-related cases among mothers with HIV, urging the youth to steer clear of drugs as they enter 2025. “We feel sad all the time when mothers come in with such diagnoses,” she remarked, emphasizing the emotional toll on healthcare workers who frequently see cases among the iTaukei community.
Despite the troubling statistics, there is hope for proactive community engagement and health education. By raising awareness and providing support, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of these health issues in the future. The involvement of young people and community leaders in tackling these challenges can pave the way for improved health outcomes for expectant mothers and their families.
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