RIYADH — Various government agencies have recommended mandatory testing of pregnant women and their fetus for HIV infection by including the test as part of routine maternity care, local newspapers reported. This proposal, if approved, will become part of previously approved requirements such as pre-marital screening and other tests monitored by the Ministry of Health. These tests will be applied in complete confidentiality and is meant to shield newborn babies from infection. The Ministry of Health, through its pre-marital tests program, had stopped at least 251 marriages in the last four years by refusing to issue healthy marriage certificates after either of the couples was found infected with the deadly virus. During the same period, the ministry's laboratories registered 272 cases of AIDS in various parts of the Kingdom, with Riyadh and Jeddah accounting for the most cases, followed by Makkah, Asir and the Eastern Province. The ministry's AIDS combating program has witnessed an influx of youths. Some young people had to cancel their marriage plans following the tests and have been referred to specialized clinics for required medical assistance. — SG
