The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) maternity ward 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, highlighted the growing number of mothers arriving with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
According to statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services last August, there were 552 new HIV diagnoses in Fiji from January to June 2024, compared to 415 in 2023 and 245 in 2022. Tukana expressed her concerns, noting that the rising prevalence of NCDs poses additional challenges for healthcare providers, especially when mothers with NCDs face complications during delivery.
The health ministry’s recent data reveals that a significant number of newly diagnosed HIV cases are among younger populations, with 73 percent of new diagnoses occurring in individuals under 39 years of age. Tukana lamented the heavy emotional toll on healthcare workers as they confront these trends, particularly among the iTaukei community.
She urged the youth to avoid drug use, emphasizing the broader struggles that come with addiction and its association with HIV. The fight against these public health issues is ongoing, and awareness campaigns will be critical moving forward.
This situation underscores the importance of community health education and accessible healthcare services to combat the rise of both HIV and NCDs among expectant mothers. With continued support and preventive measures, there is hope for a healthier future for both mothers and their children.
The focus on raising awareness among young people, particularly in vulnerable communities, can play a crucial role in reversing these trends and fostering a stronger, healthier population.
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