On the Radar: Newborn HIV Cases in Indiana

During the past 2.5 years, eight Indiana newborns have tested positive for HIV, an increase of 400 percent, according to officials with the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. In response, a group of agencies is launching the "One Test, Two Lives -- Prevent HIV Indiana" campaign.

Starting in January, the group will deliver 3,000 information and resource packets to obstetricians, nurse-midwives, and other providers, said Dr. Elaine Cox of the hospital's Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease. The packets will include HIV screening tips, gestational wheels, and screening flow-charts. In addition, health providers will receive materials that encourage patients to consent to prenatal screening.

Perinatal transmission is the most common route of HIV infection in children in the United States, according to CDC. With antiretroviral treatment of the mother, appropriate delivery and treatment of the infant, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be reduced to 1-2 percent.

Partners in the campaign include the Ryan White Center, the Indiana Department of Health, the Indiana Perinatal Network, the Midwest AIDS Training + Education Center, Health & Hospital Corp. of Marion County, and Indiana University National Center of Excellence in Women's Health. For more information about the state and national campaigns, visit www.in.gov/isdh/24720.htm and www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/perinatal/1test2lives/default.htm.

Back to other news for December 2009