A troubling trend has emerged at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) maternity ward, where an increasing number of expectant mothers are testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and drugs. Salote Tukana, the nurse unit manager for the maternity ward, highlighted a concerning rise in mothers presenting 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 that from January to June 2024, there have been 552 newly diagnosed HIV cases. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, with 415 new cases reported in 2023 and 245 in 2022.
Ms. Tukana expressed her concerns over the implications of NCDs in pregnant women, emphasizing the added responsibilities faced by healthcare providers when mothers with NCDs also experience complications. “When mothers are low risk, they have a smoother delivery experience, but complications increase the burden on our staff,” she noted.
Particularly alarming is the age demographic of newly diagnosed HIV cases, with the majority under the age of 39. The health ministry reported that among the newly diagnosed individuals, 50 were aged 15 to 19, 137 were 20 to 24, and 128 were 25 to 29 years old.
Ms. Tukana underscored the emotional toll on healthcare providers when they witness young mothers affected by these issues, particularly among the iTaukei population. She urged the youth to steer clear of drugs, warning that drug use often leads to a different, more difficult battle.
This concerning situation calls for a concerted effort to address both the rise of HIV and the prevalence of NCDs among pregnant women. It is a crucial moment for public health advocacy in Fiji to implement preventative measures, education, and support systems aimed at reducing these alarming trends.
In summary, as the CWMH maternity ward grapples with the dual rise of HIV and NCDs among expectant mothers, there is an urgent need for community awareness and intervention. Promoting health education, especially targeting the youth, could pave the way for positive change and ultimately improve health outcomes for future generations.
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