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HIV testing possible during childbirth

    JOHANNESBURG

    American researchers are hoping that a new rapid HIV test for women during childbirth will help to reduce infections in newborn infants.

    Although HIV infection of newborns is not widespread in the US, it is of great concern in Africa and other developing nations.

    Mardge Cohen, an HIV/AIDS specialist at the John H Stroger Hospital in Chicago, said HIV testing during childbirth allowed doctors to begin treating the mother during labour - when most mother-to-child HIV transmission occurs - and to start preventive treatment in newborn babies.

    "It is a very difficult time and a very special time, and to learn very bad news, but to have the opportunity to do something about that, is worthwhile," Cohen said in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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