Epidemiology and detection of HIV-1 among pregnant women in the United Kingdom: results from national surveillance 1988-96

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in pregnant women in the United Kingdom. Design: Serial unlinked serosurveillance for HIV-1 in neonatal specimens and surveillance through registers of diagnosed maternal and paediatric infections from reporting by obstetricians, paediatricians, and microbiologists.

Health Status and Access to Health Care of Migrant Workers in China

“…HIV testing was offered on an anonymous or named basis using the same protocol as is used in the United Kingdom for antenatal HIV screening. 19 Fifteen individuals (nine migrants and six urban workers) opted for anonymous testing. Fingerprick blood was collected onto filter paper and transported to a laboratory.…”

The first report of the National Screening Committee

“…19 Some obstetricians, midwives, and general practitioners have found it hard to take on the issues surrounding HIV testing. The women most aVected by HIV are black Africans, 13 and some professionals have been reluctant to raise HIV issues with them. Discovering HIV positive status is hard for any woman, and there can be poor acceptance of a diagnosis by African families.…”

“…[13][14][15] Indeed when previously diagnosed maternal infections were excluded the figure was 13%. 13 Why is the UK failing its women, especially in London where testing would be very cost eVective? 16 In the 1980s many people felt that HIV positive people would not wish to know their status, and testing should only follow lengthy specialist counselling.…”

Antenatal screening for HIV in the UK: what is to be done?

“…Even in London, where two thirds of HIV positive births occur, and where routine antenatal testing has been recommended since 1992, less than 30% of HIV positive mothers had their infections diagnosed before birth in 1997. [13][14][15] Indeed when previously diagnosed maternal infections were excluded the figure was 13%. 13 Why is the UK failing its women, especially in London where testing would be very cost eVective?…”