The Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the Republic of Trinidad/Tobago With special reference to Women and Children Robert K. Lee MB,ChB;MPH
HIV/AIDS Overview 1983 First AIDS cases reported -8 males 1985 First Female & Paediatric AIDS cases 1997 (I) cum. Aids cases: 2642 deaths: HIV M:F Ratio 1.4: HIV M:F 1:7 in year age range 1997 Surveillance sensit. HIV 35% AIDS 50% AIDS Cum. Incidence Rate: 210/100,000 pop.
AIDS Cases
Reported AIDS Cases & Deaths by County 1996
1996 Reported AIDS Cases & Deaths /100k by County
Adult and Paediatric AIDS Cases
Paediatric & Women yrs AIDS
Paediatric AIDS Deaths 83-96
Antenatal Surveillance Studies
Antenatal Survey (1%) of 2040 HIV +ve 7 (33%) were aged yrs 11 (52%) were aged yrs Age Specific Seroprevalence for women aged yrs: 1.5% Prevalence highest (2.3%) in SGW/SGC Limitations of study
Reported HIV 1997
Summary Increasing trends among Women & Children M:F Ratios reversed for teenagers Teenage Girls have highest risk of HIV infection Antenatal Surveillance shows higher prevalence among younger mothers
Conclusions Main thrust of HIV intervention should target young people years Strengthen reproductive and sexual health related services for young people Primary prevention of vertical transmission should target women of child bearing age.