District of Columbia HIV/AIDS Epidemiology
Annual Report Update 2008

In 2005, the District had 9% of all reported pediatric cases in the country, far disproportionate to our population. Mayor Fenty charged the HIV/AIDS Administration with eliminating mother-to-child transmission cases by 2009. The Administration has made significant progress in implementing routine prenatal testing and continues to extend outreach to birthing centers and OB/GYNs District-wide.

Only a small number of pediatric cases (fewer than five cases) have been reported since the 2007 annual report data. The cumulative number of cases has decreased compared to last year and these numbers will continue to be revised on an annual basis. Updated data however show that between 2001 and 2007, there were 63 cases of HIV/AIDS cases reported among children diagnosed at less than 13 years of age, of which 42 were HIV only cases. The number of cases diagnosed in a particular year may differ from the previous report due to reclassifications across state jurisdictions and updates on dates of diagnosis.

New this year is an examination of the number of perinatal infections by year of transmission. In 2005, there were ten perinatal transmissions. Just one year later, there was only one perinatal transmission per year for 2006 and 2007. This may be due to increased HIV screening activities as a result of the District’s testing campaign in 2006 as well as increased labor and delivery HIV screening.

Among the reported HIV/AIDS cases, the District’s pediatric HIV/AIDS epidemic is still primarily attributed to perinatal infections and black children continue to be disproportionately represented. Trends in maternal risk factors for infection have not changed with the majority of mothers not having a risk factor specified followed by heterosexual contact. Lastly, of mother and baby pairs in which transmission occurs, a very low proportion of pairs are getting the recommended three-prong intervention (ARVs during pregnancy, labor and delivery and in the newborn period) despite this being the standard of care for reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission.

*Other race includes mixed race individuals, Asians, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and unknown races.
**Other mode of transmission include MSM, transfusion/transplant, and risk not identified.

• Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the District, 333 cases of HIV/AIDS among children 12 years and younger at the time of diagnosis have been reported. This number is four fewer cases than previously reported due to reassignment of cases based on residence at diagnosis.
• Perinatal transmission (from mother to child) continues to account for the majority of cases and accounted for 93.7% of HIV/AIDS cases among children at the end of 2007. This finding is consistent with national figures which show that an estimated 92% of pediatric living HIV/AIDS cases were perinatally infected.
• Black children also continue to account for the majority (95.5%) of pediatric infections, which is also consistent with the national estimates.

We are committed to...

• Helping each child achieving his or her fullest potential.
• Reducing the isolation, stress, and stigma of living with HIV/AIDS.
• Developing resiliency by improving social, communication, creative, and coping skills.

We are the only organization in the DC area devoted exclusively to vital support services for children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS.  Our comprehensive range of psychosocial services was designed in response to the complex needs and wishes of the person. We are especially focused on supporting young people orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS. The children and adolescents who have priority for enrollment are those with an imminent or recent AIDS-related loss.

As the clouds go by
And the grass gets greener
I wonder what can happen
Soon as the clouds go by.

I love myself with the big red heart
And over the bridge I must go.
So look outside and see
How beautiful it will be.
Mother nature is always good
Soon as the clouds go by.

--Taquita, age 9