Nazrul Ahmed:

The number of people infected with HIV or AIDS continues to rise. Research indicates that 40 percent of those infected are gay men. To raise awareness about AIDS prevention, World AIDS Day is observed on December 1. The government of Bangladesh plans to eliminate HIV or AIDS from the country by 2030.

A young man in the capital was diagnosed with AIDS while undergoing an allergy test. He stated that his involvement in homosexual activities led to this outcome.

The young man said, “I urge everyone not to go down this wrong path. A single mistake can make you regret it for the rest of your life. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the way I have.”

Doctors are expressing similar concerns. Dr. A.R.M. Sakhawat Hossain said that at present, nearly 40 percent of HIV patients in the country are gay men. Another 40 percent bring the disease from abroad. Some people become infected through blood or various other means.

The Infectious Disease Hospital in Dhaka is the only specialized treatment center in the country. This year, nearly 300 HIV patients have received treatment there. Currently, 12 patients are admitted. Due to shortages of test kits and manpower, patients are not receiving the specialized care they need.

Dr. Ariful Bashar, the hospital’s superintendent, said, “Most of the patients who come here arrive in very poor condition. Besides HIV, they also suffer from other diseases. They need laboratory support for these conditions, which we are unable to provide.”

Testing centers across the country are also experiencing kit shortages. However, health officials say the issue will be resolved within the week.

Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman, Director of the National AIDS/STD Control program, said, “There was a slight shortage of kits. When the kits arrived at the airport, a fire broke out a day or two earlier. As a result, we haven’t received the kits yet. But we expect to get them within a few days.”

According to AIDS/STD Control data, 1,438 people were infected and 195 died from the disease in 2024. In 2023, 1,276 people were infected and 266 died. This year, the number of infections may exceed 1,500. While the number of patients continues to rise, the government is planning to eliminate AIDS from the country by 2030.

HIV does not spread by sharing a bed or eating from the same plate. With proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can live completely normal lives.