33 Papua infants infected with HIV

JAYAPURA, Papua: A senior official revealed on Friday that 33 infants in Papua province had been infected with HIV.

The virus was transmitted to them through their mothers, said Papua Health Office Director Tigor Silaban.

In order to prevent more infants being infected with the virus in the future, Tigor called on expecting mothers to take HIV tests in the early stages of pregnancy. If they are found to be HIV positive, they could be provided with antiretroviral treatment, which could help reduce the possibility that their babies would also be infected by the virus, said Tigor.

Thirteen of the 33 infants are now being treated at the Dok II Hospital in Jayapura and are receiving antiretroviral treatment, according to sources close to the hospital. -- Antara