The evidence for a change in antenatal HIV screening policy in Australia

Med J Aust. 2006 Aug 21;185(4):217-20. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00535.x.

Abstract

Australia is one of the few developed countries without routine antenatal HIV screening, despite having the resources to undertake such a screening program and the availability of antiretroviral therapy. National policy recommends that only women with identified risk factors should be offered testing; however, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that all pregnant women be offered HIV testing as part of their antenatal care. Knowledge of a woman's HIV status during pregnancy allows interventions to improve her health and reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to her child. A universal antenatal HIV screening program meets many of the Wilson and Jungner criteria for population-based screening programs. This should be considered in the current review of Australia's HIV testing policy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care / standards*
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*