Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

UN Says It is Worried Over Rise in HIV Cases in Middle East and North Africa

by Kathy Jones on June 21, 2014 at 9:36 PM
 UN Says It is Worried Over Rise in HIV Cases in Middle East and North Africa

UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibe has revealed that the organization was worried over a sharp rise in new cases of HIV infections in the Middle East and North Africa.

While the epidemic remains very "concentrated" within the region, with homosexuals, sex workers, migrants and drug addicts comprising the vast majority of cases, the Arab world has seen a dramatic increase in new cases in recent years.

Advertisement

This compares with a fall in global infection rates of 35 percent.

"There are regions we are worried about, notably the Middle East and North Africa, where a relatively quick rise in the number of new infections has been observed. The virus in these regions is difficult to contain," Sidibe said.
Advertisement

With 225,000 people infected and 22,000 new cases in 2013, "the epidemic is not huge, but what is worrying is above all the trend... In just a few years we've gone from 10,000 people infected to 225,000," he added, speaking on the sidelines of a regional HIV/AIDS conference.

Equally, access to treatment across the region is very poor, with Sidibe comparing medical coverage in the Middle East, of just 18 percent, to around 80 percent in certain African countries ravaged by the disease.

In the Middle East, only "11 percent of children with AIDS have access to treatment", he said.

Among the main obstacles to tackling the problem in the region are the "very strong stigma and discrimination" towards people at risk and "all the politics and laws" that penalise the same people, he added.

The UNAIDS official noted some progress in terms of governments taking the problem seriously, with the Arab League adopting its first strategy for combatting the virus, and a convention aimed at protecting people living with HIV.

But the texts must still be ratified by different member states.

"I don't think the rest of the world is more tolerant than the Arab world, I believe it's a problem of approach, that they will get there," Sidibe said.

Source: AFP
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest AIDS/HIV News

Concerning HIV Surge in India Amid AIDS Progress
The 35th World AIDS Day (WAD) marks an opportunity to review strides in HIV prevention, control, and management, acknowledging achievements.
World AIDS Day 2023 Emphasizes Community Leadership's Power to End HIV Crisis
World AIDS Day 2023 focuses on the theme 'Let Communities Lead,' emphasizing the power of the communities most affected by HIV in bringing an end to AIDS.
HIV-Preventive Drug-PrEP's Usage Barriers Among Young Men
Young men involved in sexual activity with other guys are less aware and stigmatized to access PrEP, an HIV prevention drug.
18 of 20 Vietnam Monkeypox Cases Test HIV-Positive
Though monkeypox can affect anyone, CDC research states that approximately 40% of people diagnosed with monkeypox in the US also test positive for HIV.
HIV Vaccine Clinical Trial Initiates in the United States and South Africa
The Phase 1 trial for a preventive HIV vaccine candidate has initiated enrollment in both the United States and South Africa.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

UN Says It is Worried Over Rise in HIV Cases in Middle East and North Africa Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests