North: Over 20 expectant mothers dianosed with HIV
More than 20 pregnant women have been diagnosed HIV positive since screening began in the North, it was revealed today.
The rate of new infections among all sections of the population has also outstripped expectations, experts said.
The HIV Support Centre in Belfast disclosed the level of expectant mothers contracting the virus as it launched a helpline to coincide with World Aids Day.
Director Geraldine Campbell said she was shocked by the rate among pregnant women.
“This is a joyful time in their lives for most of them, and then they get devastating news at the same time,” she said.
“Since ante-natal screening started two and a half years ago in excess of 20 pregnant women have been diagnosed.
“It may seem small, but it wasn’t thought it would reach anything like that level in that space of time.”
The centre is setting up its special advice service due to the increased demand for guidance.
It has also recognised more people affected by HIV now want to start families, and midwives need to have any queries answered as well.
One of the key messages being stressed is that the chances of giving birth to an HIV positive baby has decreased dramatically due to advancements in treatments.
The rate has dropped from nearly 90% to 1-2% because of available medication, caesarian deliveries and stopping breast feeding.
Sam Brush, a volunteer and training manager at the centre, which was set up to offer support to people living with HIV and to prevent the virus’s spread, said misconceptions were still rampant.
“It’s wrongly interpreted as a death sentence for these women, who also have to deal with what will happen to their baby,” he said.
“This helpline is giving women time to ask general questions about HIV.
“There’s also still a small chance the child will be born positive, and the mother will have to cope with a baby being put on medication immediately.
“Without medication most children born with HIV will die in the first two years.”
The initiative comes amid attempts to raise awareness for World AIDS Day on December 1.
Globally, more than 40 million men, women and children are living with the disease, with five million new infections last year. There were three million deaths from AIDS in 2004.
In the North there are now more than 500 people HIV positive, with the centre saying that included 63 newly diagnosed.
“That was a massive 97% increase on the previous year,” Ms Campbell said.
“It has exceeded what we had estimated last year’s figures would be.
“People still don’t seem to perceive it as an issue for everyone and the message isn’t getting across to gay men especially who are a disproportionately affected group.”
