fact sheet
Georgia Department of Human Resources
CHILDREN AND AIDS IN GEORGIA
From 1981 to December 31, 2006, there were a total of 239 children (under 13 years) in Georgia who were diagnosed with AIDS. Georgia has the ninth highest number of pediatric AIDS cases in the country.
Babies can get HIV from their mothers during pregnancy, during delivery, after birth, and during breast feeding. This method of transmission is known as perinatal transmission.
92% of all children with AIDS in Georgia contracted it from their mother through perinatal transmission. 3% contracted it through blood transfusions and blood products, and for five percent there was no identified risk.
79% of all pediatric AIDS cases diagnosed in Georgia are among AfricanAmerican children.
Of the 239 pediatric AIDS cases diagnosed in Georgia through December 31, 2006, 51% have died.
HIV infection can lead to a wide range of developmental problems and affect many vital organs in infants because of their immature immune and nervous systems.
Prevention Women considering pregnancy or are already pregnant need to know their own
HIV status and the status of their partner. If the pregnant woman is HIV positive, there is medical treatment and counseling available to maintain her health and the health of her baby. If she receives appropriate therapy during pregnancy and delivery, and if the infant receives it after birth, the chances of the infant becoming HIV-infected are drastically reduced. On July 1, 2007, it became law in Georgia to screen all pregnant women for HIV. After delivery, an HIV-infected mother needs to find a pediatrician familiar with pediatric HIV treatment, and she needs to arrange for her long-term medical care and get advice on effective methods of safer sex and contraception from her doctor or county health department.
Where to go for information about HIV/AIDS Your doctor, local health department, or the Division of Public Health at (404)
657 2700. Call the Georgia AIDS Information Line at 1-800-551-2728. You won't have to
give your name. They can answer your questions or refer you to community outreach programs. Call Helpline Georgia at 1-800-338-6745 to find out about drug treatment programs.
Georgia Department of Human Resources Office of Communications www.dhr.georgia.gov February 2008