ABSTRACT
Background: The issue of HIV/AIDS and women’s health can be viewed in the context of (1) the unravelling epidemic, (2) the screening of women for HIV and provision of ongoing surveillance, and (3) hope for the future, even though the battle against HIV has not won. Estimating the seroprevalence of HIV in a low risk population such as pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of AIDS control programs, and also for the monitoring of HIV spread within a country. This study was conducted to establish the prevalence rate of HIV amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. Methods: Blood samples from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Sola Civil Hospital and G.M.E.R.S. Medical College, Ahmedabad, were collected after informed consent and pre test counselling. The samples were tested for HIV antibodies as per the WHO guidelines. Data was collected and analyzed for a period of 1 year from1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011.Results: Of the 3101 pregnant women tested in one year 11(0.35%) women were found to be HIV seroreactive. Conclusion: The economic and demographic consequences of the spread of HIV/AIDS are inexorable and awesome. The prevalence rate recorded in this study suggests that HIV screening of pregnant women should be an on- going exercise. Development of programs with an integrated approach to inducing behavioural change, promotion of use of condoms and controlling Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)’s may reduce the infectivity of HIV transmitters and susceptibility of HIV exposed persons.