HIV prevalence among the 15 to 49 age group is 1.6 percent, with an estimated 7,200 people living with HIV in 2022 (range: 5,900 to 8,500). Both HIV incidence and HIV-associated mortality show an increasing trend. Since 2010, UNAIDS has observed an 11 percent increase in new HIV infections in the country (less than 500 new infections per year).
Specific population groups are disproportionately affected by HIV. Among female sex workers, HIV prevalence is estimated at 2.1 percent in 2023, while for men who have sex with men (MSM) this percentage was 16.6 in 2018.
In 2023, a survey was conducted among a small sample of male and trans sex workers, which found that HIV prevalence among this group was as high as 40 percent.
“Don’t do it without a condom, but postpone sex to prevent HIV infection,” is the response of Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, director of the Ministry of Health, when asked what will be done about the shocking increase in HIV/ AIDS cases in the country. Using a condom is important because it is not known who is infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.
There has been an increase in the number of HIV/AIDS infections. According to Gajadhar Sukul, this increase is noticeable compared to a few years ago. The number of treatments has also increased, he notes.
If couples start a long-term relationship, they can be counseled and guided before starting a sexual relationship. No sex is better than becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. “We are coming out of a difficult period, the period of the pandemic when we were in a Covid-19 crisis. We have now entered calmer waters, although we are still in a brain drain crisis,” says Sukul.
According to Gajadhar Sukul, the Ministry of Health works according to a four-track policy when it comes to HIV-infected people. The policy includes:
– Monitoring all figures for continuous follow-up.
– Ensuring sufficient testing and starting national campaigns to motivate as many people as possible to test.
– Strengthening support services with capacity building and training.
– Maintaining awareness and making sufficient condoms available to make people aware of the risks of unsafe sex.
In addition, the right medication must be available to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus from mother to child. Education for both young people and adults remains essential, says the public health director.
One must realize that unsafe sex is an opportunity to become infected with sexually transmitted diseases, including hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. It is crucial to spread this message and take a coordinated approach to combat the spread of these diseases.
2024-02-19 03:02:42
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