Antenatal HIV testing available to pregnant women in MidCentral DHB region

05/06/2009 | Antenatal HIV testing

From Monday (8 June 2009) all pregnant women in the MidCentral DHB region will be routinely offered HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing as part of their initial antenatal blood screening tests.

The Antenatal HIV Screening Programme is a national programme which has been gradually rolled out around the country. HIV infection is a virus that affects the body’s ability to fight infection.

It can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if left undetected and untreated. Pregnant women can pass on the virus to their babies during late pregnancy, delivery and during breastfeeding. However, if infected women are identified during pregnancy, transmission of infection to the newborn can be prevented with appropriate treatment and care.

Although not many women in New Zealand have HIV infection, the number is increasing. Infected women often do not have any symptoms and are unaware that they are infected.

Pregnant women will be offered an HIV test at the same time as other antenatal blood tests (Rhesus factor and blood cell antibodies, full blood count, hepatitis B, rubella and syphilis). There is no cost for pregnant women related to these tests.

The vast majority of pregnant women will be found not to have HIV infection. If a woman is identified as being HIV positive, professional support and help will be given to her to look after her health, that of her baby, partner and family or whanau.

CONTACT:
Communications Unit: (06) 350-8945.