The only way for HIV transmission to children is via HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy
TURBAT: Today the world is observing World Aids Day. HIV has become a major global public health issue. In 2014, 36.9 million people were living with HIV and among them, 2.6 million were children. Most AIDS-related deaths are reported from low- and middle-income countries. The only way for HIV transmission to children is via HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy. However, the World Health Organisation has been working over the years to control the spread of HIV, with the number of infected people getting HIV treatment increasing rapidly in recent years in developing countries.
In Pakistan, the HIV mortality rate is rising annually. During the last nine months , 1,157 new cases of HIV were reported in Sindh, including those of 25 children and 1,132 adults. HIV is not lethal if steps are taken for its treatment soon after diagnosis. In this regard, the government has to take solid measures to control the spread of HIV in the country.
Rehana MH
Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2015.
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