An alarming 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 using drugs. Salote Tukana, the nurse unit manager of the Maternity Ward, highlighted that alongside this rise, there has also been an uptick in mothers presenting with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.
Recent statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed a concerning increase in HIV cases, with 552 new diagnoses recorded between January and June 2024, compared to 415 in 2023 and 245 in 2022. These figures raise significant concerns, especially because the presence of NCDs in pregnant women complicates their care.
Ms. Tukana expressed her concern about the added responsibilities faced by healthcare providers when mothers with NCDs experience complications during pregnancy. She noted that mothers with fewer health risks typically have shorter hospital stays, whereas those with NCDs require more intensive management.
The health ministry’s statistics also show a worrying trend among younger demographics, with new HIV diagnoses predominantly occurring in individuals under 39 years old. Among these, 9% are aged 15 to 19 years, 24.8% are aged 20 to 24, and 23% are aged 25 to 29.
Ms. Tukana pointed out the rising concern regarding drug-related cases linked to HIV and urged young people, particularly those in the iTaukei community, to avoid drug use. She emphasized the emotional toll that these cases take on healthcare providers, reflecting a broader issue affecting many families.
While the statistics present a bleak picture, there is hope that increased awareness, education, and community engagement can lead to positive changes. Public health initiatives focusing on prevention and support could help reduce both HIV infections and the prevalence of NCDs among pregnant women, ultimately improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Leave a comment