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An average of 10 HIV/Aids positive cases is diagnosed in Qatar annually and at least 80 cases are closely followed by the healthcare facilities here. With the World Aids Day being observed today, 33.4 million people are living with HIV/Aids around the globe.
“In Qatar the incidence is stable because of increased awareness,” said Dr Abdul Latheef Al Khal, head of the Communicable Diseases Section at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). “Around 80 of the HIV/Aids cases are being attended by the hospitals here. This includes both Qataris and non-Qataris.”
A cumulative number of 231 cases have been diagnosed in Qatar, according to the 2008 report on Country progress Indicators towards Implementing the Declaration of Commitment to HIV. “This is a cumulative number and most of the cases have left Qatar. Many were diagnosed even before the 90s,” he told The Peninsula.
The 2008 report also shows that 78 people are living with Aids in Qatar and 76 of them were above the age of 15. Qatar has been successful in preventing mother to child transmission of the virus during pregnancy. All the people with advanced HIV infection have been receiving anti-reteroviral (ARV) combination therapy and there has been 95 percent survival after 12-months on ARV therapy.
However, only 30 percent of young men and women have comprehensive knowledge about HIV/Aids prevention.
“All the HIV cases in Qatar enjoy good health and care. Qatar is the leading country in the region to have specific HIV/Aids strategy.”
The 2009 World Aids Day stresses on Universal Access and Human Rights, highlighting the critical link between universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support and respect for human rights in the response to the global Aids epidemic.
“All our HIV patients receive excellent healthcare irrespective of their ntionality. There is no stigmatisation and their access to hospitals, doctors, laboratories, diagnostic centres is ensured. Also, even suspected cases and their families are also provided with full support, counselling and other services,” he said.
New figures released by the World Health Organization and UNAIDS estimate the number of new HIV infections have declined each year by about 17percent from 2001 to 2008, but for every five people infected, only two start treatment.
“We know AIDS is an important issue, but for now, we are focusing on H1N1 influenza. As for now, we do not have any new programs on HIV awareness. The whole HIV/AIDS programs will be reactivated soon,” Dr Al Khal said.
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