1. The Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the Republic of Trinidad/Tobago 1983-97 With special reference to Women and Children Robert K. Lee MB,ChB;MPH

2. HIV/AIDS Overview 1983 First AIDS cases reported -8 males 1985 First Female & Paediatric AIDS cases 1997 (I) cum. Aids cases: 2642 deaths: 1681 1997 HIV M:F Ratio 1.4:1 1997 HIV M:F 1:7 in 15-19 year age range 1997 Surveillance sensit. HIV 35% AIDS 50% AIDS Cum. Incidence Rate: 210/100,000 pop.

3. AIDS Cases 1983-96

4. Reported AIDS Cases & Deaths by County 1996

5. 1996 Reported AIDS Cases & Deaths /100k by County

6. Adult and Paediatric AIDS Cases 1983-96

7. Paediatric & Women 15-45 yrs AIDS 1983-96

8. Paediatric AIDS Deaths 83-96

9. Antenatal Surveillance Studies

10. Antenatal Survey 1995-96 21 (1%) of 2040 HIV +ve 7 (33%) were aged 15-19 yrs 11 (52%) were aged 20-29 yrs Age Specific Seroprevalence for women aged 15-24 yrs: 1.5% Prevalence highest (2.3%) in SGW/SGC Limitations of study

11. Reported HIV 1997

12. 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

13. Conclusions Main thrust of HIV intervention should target young people 15-19 years Strengthen reproductive and sexual health related services for young people Primary prevention of vertical transmission should target women of child bearing age.