Rising Health Concerns in Maternity Wards: The Hidden Dangers for Expecting Mothers

A concerning 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 substance abuse. Salote Tukana, the nurse unit manager for the maternity ward, reported that alongside these cases, there is also a rise in mothers presenting with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, there were 552 new HIV diagnoses in Fiji from January to June 2024, marking a rise from 415 cases in 2023 and 245 in 2022. Ms. Tukana expressed concern over the implications of NCDs during pregnancy, noting that complications in mothers with such conditions add significant responsibility for healthcare staff. In contrast, mothers without NCDs typically have shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.

The Ministry’s statistics also revealed that a significant number of new HIV cases are among young people, with 50 cases diagnosed in those aged 15 to 19 years, 137 in the 20 to 24 age group, and 128 in the 25 to 29 age range. Alarmingly, 73 percent of the recent HIV cases are found in individuals under 39 years old. Ms. Tukana emphasized that a troubling link has been identified between drug use and HIV among pregnant women, particularly affecting the iTaukei community.

She passionately urged young people to avoid drug use, warning that it leads to a different set of challenges and adversely affects their health.

In summary, the increase in HIV and NCD cases among expectant mothers presents a significant challenge for healthcare workers in Fiji. The importance of early intervention, public health education, and community support is vital in addressing these growing health concerns and facilitating a healthier future for mothers and their children. There is hope that with increased awareness and preventive measures, the trend can be reversed, leading to improved health outcomes for the community.