HIV & AIDs transmission to newborn babies rise

Around 2,700 newborn Babies contacted HIV & AIDs every year through blood and fluids transmission during childbirth.

The Minister for Health and HIV AIDs and Member for Pomio District Elias Kapavore made this clear during the opening of the Jiwaka Provincial Medical Transit Store in Jiwaka last week.

Minister Kapavore appealed to mothers and girls to check their HIV & AIDs status at their nearest clinics during pregnancies to avoid transmission of the virus during childbirth.

He said, this is sad for the country, but we have to take preventive measures, saving innocent lives.

"Not only in HIV & AIDs but, cervical cancer, is another silent and deadly killer, killing on average atleast four women every day," Kapavore said.

He said this year, the National Government through the National Department of Health will roll out Public Health Vaccine Program for girls between the age of 9-18.

"The government will target 900,0000 girls to protect them from cervical cancer." He said.