Rising Health Challenges Among Expectant Mothers: A Call to Action

The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) is witnessing a concerning increase in expectant mothers testing positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and drug-related issues. Salote Tukana, the nurse unit manager of the maternity ward at CWMH, reported a simultaneous rise in mothers presenting with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed that from January to June 2024, there were 552 new HIV diagnoses. This marks an increase compared to previous years, with 415 cases reported in 2023 and 245 in 2022. The rise in NCDs during pregnancies is particularly alarming as complications can lead to added responsibilities for healthcare providers.

Ms. Tukana emphasized the difficulties faced when mothers with NCDs have complications during delivery, stating that it places additional burdens on healthcare teams. The Ministry is actively working to address the growing issue of NCDs, which have become one of the primary health concerns in Fiji.

Additionally, a concerning trend among the HIV cases diagnosed indicates that young people are disproportionately affected, with 73% of recent cases occurring in individuals under the age of 39. Ms. Tukana also highlighted a troubling pattern of HIV cases linked to drug use, particularly among the iTaukei population. She expressed concern for these mothers and the challenges they face, calling on youth to avoid drug use, underscoring that it leads to many more difficulties beyond health issues.

This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare education and prevention strategies. By bringing awareness to these issues, authorities and communities can strive towards better health outcomes and support systems for future generations.

Overall, while the challenges are significant, the emphasis on addressing these health issues presents an opportunity for collective action and improvement in public health education and support systems.