At present, the country has around 14,000 infected patients
BSS: The health authorities have identified over 700 new HIV/AIDS infected cases across Bangladesh.
The information was revealed at a program, organized by the Health Ministry, marking World Aids Day in Dhaka yesterday afternoon.
The data was disclosed through a press release sent by Maidul Islam Prodhan, senior information officer of the ministry.
Among the patients, 186 (26%) were categorized as general people while 188 were Rohingya refugees.
As many as 144 people were expatriates or their family members were found to carry the virus. About 61 people got infected after using a used syringe.
At least 70 people were sex workers – 53 male and 17 female. Besides, some 13 patients were identified as transgenders.
According to the health authorities, the presence of HIV was first identified in the country in 1989, and the infection rate is less than 0.01%, much lower than in neighbouring countries.
At present, the country has around 14,000 HIV infected patients.
During yesterday’s program, Health Minister Zahid Maleque also said that the government has made the disease’s testing and treatment free of cost at state-run facilities. Patients can avail the services at 11 government hospitals.
“The government is also working to expand the testing facilities in all the government hospitals countrywide,” he added.
