During 2019, There were 34 Pregnant Women Positively Affected by the HIV Virus In Batam

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM - Throughout 2019, there were 34 pregnant women positively affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

This was stated by Head of the Batam Health Department, Didi Kusmarjadi, Wednesday (12/12/2019).

This number was known from the results of the Prevention Mother To Child  (PMTCT) conducted by all puskesmas in Batam City against 6,670 pregnant women in Batam. 

"Our target is definitely more than that. Sometimes there are those who refuse to take the test. However, after being explained, they usually want to take the test," Didi said.

These positive pregnant women will be given the antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.  

The drug serves to protect the baby while in the womb.

In fact, HIV-positive pregnant women are asked to bring their husbands to undergo examination as well.

For the birth process, Didi suggested to give birth by cesarean, because if giving birth normally the baby is very vulnerable to contracting. 

"The risk of infants becoming infected in the womb is low. However, when the birth process is carried out normally, babies are very vulnerable to contracting it," he said.

Didi explained, housewives were at high risk of being infected with HIV.

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One factor is that the husband had sexual relations with another woman.

Because more and more husbands are mutually changing partners, the impact will be affected by his wife. 

So it is advisable for residents to be diligent to check their health, especially for those who often have sex with other partners which is not his wife.

Not only that, to minimize the spread of HIV, currently, pregnant women must undergo an HIV / AIDS test.

This is to prevent transmission to infants, so it is better to take early preventive measures.