Concern over poor awareness about HIV

FE Report Experts at a seminar Thursday said HIV prevalence amongst the most vulnerable population is 0.9 per cent which indicates the situation is under control in the country but expressed concern over the poor awareness and prevention programmes among general people. "It's a matter of concern that there is only one 15-bed specialized hospital to provide treatment to the AIDS patients which is Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) and hardly any doctor is oriented with HIV diagnosis or AIDS treatment which helps a stigmatized situation to prevail in the country", they observed. According to the 9th Round Technical Report of the National HIV Serological Surveillance 2011, overall HIV prevalence is less than one per cent irrespective of whether the total population is considered or when segregated for the most at risk and bridge populations. Among most at risk populations, the HIV prevalence rate is 0.7 per cent the speakers added. "Despite being a low HIV and AIDS prevalence country, people show all the high -risk behaviours that could initiate an HIVAIDS epidemic," said a statement, adding, the HIV infection rate has increased threefold during last six years.