The infant HIV-infection rate is declining in the U.S. and Europe, new research reports. U.S. cases had swelled to almost 1,800 per year, but in 1996 fewer than 500 HIV-infected babies were born. Even though heterosexual women are a fast-growing group in the epidemic, stepped-up testing among pregnant women plus anti-viral therapy for those infected can bring transmission rates to unborn babies from 25-30% down to 8%. Unfortunately, infant infection rates are still increasing in less-developed countries, where about 1,000 HIV-infected babies are born daily. Testing and therapies are too expensive to be widely available there.

— Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator

HIV Wellness Center: “Renewal! Back to Work, Back to Life,” a seminar on returning to work and what impact that might have on MediCare and Medicaid benefits. Friday, September 19, 1:30-4:30pm, Austin State Hospital, Guadalupe at 41st Street, at the Canteen.

HIV Wellness Center: HIV Treatment Update with Dr. Robert Kasper of the David Powell Clinic Saturday, September 20, 1:30-4:30pm, Austin State Hospital, Guadalupe at 41st Street, at the Canteen.

ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS

This article appears in September 19 • 1997 and September 19 • 1997 (Cover).

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US