About 4,000 people at risk of HIV in Barishal: Report
Expressing concern, the doctor said there is significant stigma and fear surrounding HIV in society
Around 4,000 residents of Barishal City Corporation area are at risk of HIV infection, with the highest numbers among female sex workers, homosexual individuals and drug users.
This information was shared today (17 June) during a workshop for journalists on the human rights and ethical health of high-risk populations and people living with HIV, held at the seminar room of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
The main paper was presented by Dr Mashrur Bin Azad, medical officer at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
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He said that at least 3,707 people in the Barishal City Corporation area are at risk of HIV infection. Among them are 1,506 female sex workers, 1,436 homosexual individuals, and 765 drug users.
He further said that a total of 205 HIV-positive patients have currently been identified in the Barishal division.
Of them, 16 have died and 4 have moved out of the area. The remaining 185 are under treatment.
He noted that there is a misconception that HIV infection leads to immediate death. In reality, HIV-positive patients can bring the viral load down to zero through regular treatment.
"If the viral load is reduced to zero, the virus does not spread from that person. They can marry and have children," Mashrur said.
Expressing concern, the doctor said there is significant stigma and fear surrounding HIV in society.
"Many people believe HIV spreads through casual contact, which is not true. HIV spreads through infected blood entering another person's body or through unsafe sexual contact," he added.
