Expectant mothers with concerns about their HIV status are strongly encouraged to undergo testing during their first trimester of pregnancy. This vital step can significantly diminish the risk of mother-to-child transmission, according to Dr. Joseph Mun Reddy, a program officer with WHO Fiji’s National Sexual Reproductive Health Laboratory and Surveillance Programme.
Dr. Reddy pointed out ongoing improvements in the Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTC) program and collaboration with obstetric and pediatric teams to ensure early and accurate diagnoses for children born to HIV-positive mothers. “If we focus our resources efficiently, we are likely to identify more cases, allowing us to initiate treatment and achieve viral suppression, ensuring safety for both mother and child,” he stated.
With advancements in point-of-care testing, individuals can now receive results in as little as 15 minutes, allowing for immediate linkage to care. “We advocate for timely testing and encourage those who have already been tested but remain unaware of their status to return to their health facility for results or for retesting if necessary,” Dr. Reddy added.
Dr. Rachael Devi, Head of Family Health at the Ministry of Health, echoed the call for proactive testing during pregnancy. Having reported 552 cases of HIV this year, with the youngest infected individual being less than one year old, she emphasized the importance of early intervention to mitigate risks. She reassured mothers that many HIV-positive women have successfully given birth to healthy, HIV-negative babies.
The thrust of public health campaigns is to foster a supportive environment where individuals can seek testing and treatment without fear. Maternity care professionals continue to work on outreach efforts, such as ongoing training in community immunization programs, aimed at reducing mortality rates among children. “Getting tested is crucial, as many lives have been lost due to ignorance and refusal to seek treatment,” Dr. Devi warned.
Overall, both health officials stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, fostering a sense of hope and assurance in the community that timely medical interventions can lead to positive outcomes for both mothers and their children.
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