Idaho CareLine: In Idaho, Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588

 Pediatric AIDS

World AIDS Day was observed for the first time on Dec. 1, 1988, after a summit of health ministers from around the world called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on Dec. 1, serves to strengthen the global effort to face the challenges of the AIDS pandemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world. This organized effort is designed to encourage public support for programs that prevent the spread of HIV infection and to provide education and awareness of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 91 percent of all pediatric AIDS cases reported in 1997 were infants born to HIV-positive mothers. Research shows that mothers can reduce the risk of perinatal (mother-to-child) HIV transmission by two-thirds, if they are administered the drug AZT (zidovudine) during pregnancy, birth and delivery, and if the infant receives AZT during the six weeks following birth. Pregnant women infected with HIV, or who have put themselves at high risk of contracting the disease, should seek immediate medical care.

For more information, contact the American Association for World Health, located in Washington, DC. They coordinate World AIDS Day within the United States.

 Additional Resources

Reducing the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections Associated With Illicit Drug Use — American Academy of Pediatrics.

Education of Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection —American Academy of Pediatrics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Information on all aspects of AIDS.