RESUMO
Saint-Martin is a melting pot of Caribbean populations. A sharp increase of immigrant people was noted these last years, as a consequence of the booming tourism-related activity. Since no data were available on AIDS, an epidemiological study was developed. Since almost all births take place in the only hospital, hosptial-based information was considered as a reliable indicator of the development of the epidemic in the whole population. During pregnancy, or at delivery, blood samples were taken for HIV detection. Results were ready within four days. Positive results were found in 3 per cent of the women (n=54), in the years 1991 - 1993. All babies born from HIV-positive mothers were also positive. In 1991 and 1991, only a small minority of these women and their children was followed, since no appropriate structure existed. In 1993, a special clinic was instituted, and two-thirds of them could be followed. Evaluation of materno-foetal viral transmission is in process. The prevalence in Saint-Martin is estimated to be 4 times as high as in New York City, and 20 times as high as in Paris (AU)
