Record 266 die from AIDS in Bangladesh this year

The country recorded 266 deaths and 1,276 infections from AIDS this year, the highest on record after the first patient was detected in 1989.

The information was presented during a programme held at the auditorium of the National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital on 27 December, commemorating AIDS Day.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, line director of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and AIDS Control Programme, said the country recorded 2,086 deaths and 10,984 infections so far.

The number of people carrying HIV in Bangladesh is more than 15,000, he added.

At least 232 died of AIDS and 947 new cases were detected in 2022.

At the event, health professionals also said that among this year's AIDS patients, 1,118 are Bangladeshis and the remaining cases are from Rohingyas residing in different camps in Cox's Bazar. 

Dhaka accounts for the highest number of infected people, totaling 342 patients. 

Additionally, 246 AIDS cases were detected in Chattogram, 175 in Rajshahi, 141 in Khulna, 79 in Barishal, 61 in Sylhet, 40 in Mymensingh, and 34 in Rangpur district.

Of those identified, 850 are male, 278 are female, and 9 are transgender people.

At the event, Professor ABM Khurshid Alam, director general of the Directorate General of Health Services, emphasised that AIDS patients should not face exclusion. 

"The government ensures comprehensive services, including free AIDS treatment, using numerous reusable medical items, including those utilised in surgeries. It is crucial to sterilise these items meticulously to prevent potential infections for individuals undergoing procedures like colonoscopies, endoscopies, or other tests," he said.

This precautionary measure safeguards innocent individuals from inadvertent exposure, he added.

According to the report presented at the event, the number of AIDS cases is increasing among male sex workers. Besides, this disease is also spreading among male homosexuals.

Additionally, drug addicts who use intravenous injections are also contracting AIDS.