710 AIDS patients in Cox’sbazar, 612 are Rohingya

The number of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected patients is increasing in Cox’sbazar.

The infection is spreading to local community. A total of 11 cases were identified in last June. The authorities have reported 710 people infected with HIV since 2015, of which 612 are Rohingya people.  Out of the patients, some 118 have died.

Residential Surgeon of Cox’sbazar Sadar Hospital Dr Ashikur Rahman confirmed this on Monday.

Some 710 patients infected with HIV have received treatment in Cox’sbazar since 2015. Of which, 505 received treatment from Cox’sbazar Sadar Hospital and 205 from Ukhia Hospital.  Among the patients, 612 are rohingya and 98 are local people.

Health experts suggest the government should take more initiatives and plans to combat against the deadly virus. They feel need to increase identification test, awareness and coverage to detect the people who bear the virus.

Rohingya people, who have been pushed back, are most vulnerable to AIDS. We should bring everyone, specially Rohingya people, under the HIV test in border areas, experts say.