Dr. Al-Sahawi: Syria is among the countries with low rates of HIV infections

Damascus, (ST) – Syria is considered one of the countries with low rates of HIV infection. The number of patients infected with the virus reaches 522, according to the Director of Communicable and Chronic Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Zuhair Al-Sahawi.

Dr. Al-Sahawi pointed out in a statement to a SANA reporter that despite the low rate AIDS infection in Syria, it was necessary to develop a national strategy to combat this disease and other sexually transmitted diseases, a strategy that is consistent with the global strategy to combat this disease.

He emphasized the importance of comprehensive treatment, care and support directed to those who carry the virus in accordance with national standards.

Dr. Al-Sahawi pointed out that the cumulative number of AIDS cases discovered in Syria from 1987 until the end of the third quarter of this year reached 1,213 cases, including 850 of those with Syrian nationality and 363 of other nationalities. He indicated that the number of people living with the virus who are receiving treatment is 543 people. 307 deaths due to the disease were also recorded.

Al-Sahawi stated that the treatment protocol approved by the Ministry of Health in Syria was updated as of last October 1, relying on national competencies and using the expertise provided by international organizations in the field of health. He hoped that this protocol will contribute to eliminating the disease by using daily treatment for patients living with the virus, AIDS.

Dr. Al-Sahawi pointed to the National Program to Combat AIDS implemented by the Ministry of Health, which includes the basic strategies of providing free voluntary counseling and examination in counseling centers spread across various governorates to detect suspected cases, providing treatment, care and prevention services in complete confidentiality.

Al-Sahawi concluded his speech by saying: With the exacerbation of the threat of AIDS and the deterioration of immunity it causes, the global medical community is still unable to control it, and the main reason lies in the fact that the treatment is not curative.

World AIDS Day falls on December 1 of each year, and is an opportunity to raise awareness of the need to eliminate AIDS by 2030 and redouble efforts to ensure the success of the response to HIV.

Raghda Sawas