The total number of people infected by HIV/AIDs has increased from 36 to 37 in 2021 and 2022.
This was highlighted by Ellen Tanito, Coordinator of Western Province HIV/AIDS Gizo Hospital during the World AIDS Day celebration held in Gizo on Thursday last week.
The theme for the World Aids Day is ‘’A renewed mission to respect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Tanito said that amongst the active cases, 17 are male and 20 are female.
“Given the total of 37 HIV/AIDs cases registered in the country, 19 people are still on treatment while 18 have died.
“Of these 19 cases,16 patients are under medication while others have lost contact with health authorities meaning they have lost their medication.
“Of the existing cases, 10 are women and nine are men,” she said.
She said the number of cases at hand that has been revealed is those who have been tested by health authorities.
She added that HIV testing is voluntary and anyone who wants to check his/her status can get to the nearest clinic or hospital to do their test.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 38.4 million people globally living with HIV in 2021.
Already 650,000 people have died of HIV- related illness worldwide in 2021 and followed by 1.5 million people becoming newly infected with HIV in 2021 last year.
WHO stated that the African region remains mostly affected, with nearly one in every 25 adults living with HIV and accounting for more than two-thirds of the people living with HIV world-wide.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), according to WHO, is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.
“AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.”
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
