Dan Neville
Question:111 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with HIV and AIDS. [20120/99]
Written Answers. - HIV Infection.
Cumulative HIV statistics to the end of May 1999 show that 153 children have been reported as being HIV positive. In relation to AIDS, up to the end of July 1999, 22 children have been diagnosed as having AIDS and eight children have died.
A comprehensive service for all children diagnosed as HIV positive is provided in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, under the clinical management of a consultant in paediatric infectious diseases.
A number of babies who are diagnosed as HIV positive at birth, seroconvert to become HIV negative. Therefore, the cumulative total of 153 children reported as HIV positive is an overestimate of the number of children who are at present HIV positive. As part of a review of national AIDS strategy the surveillance sub-committee of the national AIDS strategy committee is examining this issue in conjunction with the consultant in paediatric infectious diseases.