HIV-Positive Mothers Deliver 12 Healthy, HIV-Negative Babies at Noida District Hospital

Noida News: In a remarkable medical achievement, the Noida District Hospital has successfully ensured zero HIV transmission from HIV-positive mothers to their newborns. Over the past year, 12 infants born to 12 HIV-infected mothers have all tested completely HIV-negative.

According to hospital data, 14 HIV-positive pregnant women delivered babies this year, out of which the test results of 12 newborns have been finalized — all negative. The remaining two infants are currently undergoing the mandatory testing process.

18-Month Long Testing Protocol

Counsellors Manoj Gupta and Suman Vimal from the National AIDS Control Programme explained that a child is officially declared HIV-free only after completing an extensive 18-month multi-stage testing procedure, which includes:

• First test immediately after birth
• Second test around 1 month
• Third test between 4–6 months
• Final confirmatory test at 18 months

Only after all tests return negative is the child certified as completely free of HIV infection.

ART Treatment Begins During Pregnancy

To minimize the risk of mother-to-child transmission, HIV-positive pregnant women are started on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) early in pregnancy. This treatment significantly reduces the mother’s viral load, bringing the transmission risk close to zero.

Cesarean Delivery Preferred for Safety

Most deliveries are conducted via cesarean section to prevent direct exposure of the newborn to the mother’s blood or bodily fluids.
However, if the mother’s viral load is extremely low, normal delivery may be allowed under strict monitoring. During delivery, the medical team — including gynecologists, pediatricians, and anesthetists — uses full protective gear such as masks, goggles, and safety kits.

29,107 People Tested for HIV This Year

So far this year, Noida District Hospital has screened 29,107 individuals for HIV, out of which 167 people tested positive. Hundreds of pregnant women and high-risk individuals are being tested daily.

World AIDS Day Awareness Programme on December 1

On the occasion of World AIDS Day (December 1), the district hospital will organize a large-scale awareness programme focused on:

• Symptoms of HIV
• Prevention methods
• Available treatments and ART support

Doctors and counsellors associated with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) will participate in the event.