Highlights
- HIV infection among general people and expatriates rising in Chattogram
- 75 new HIV patients identified in one year
- 61% of infected people are from general population and expatriates
- Nationwide, 2,000 new HIV cases detected this year — highest ever
- Almost 50% of HIV patients in Bangladesh are MSM (men who have sex with men)
HIV infections in the general population and expatriates have increased in Chattogram, even though the overall infection rate has slightly reduced. According to the ART Centre of Chattogram Medical College (CMCH), 75 new HIV patients were identified in the last one year (till October 2024). Among them, 26 were local residents and 20 were expatriates.
In the same period, 13 patients died.
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Majority of New Cases from General Population and Expatriates
Data from CMCH’s ART Centre shows that over 61% of the infected people belong to the general population and expatriate groups.
Among the infected:
- 15 men were infected through sexual relations with other men
- 1 person through sex work
- 12 women were infected through their husbands
- 1 was a child
- 53 patients were residents of Chattogram district
Doctors Stress Regular Treatment
CMCH Department Head Dr. Junaid Mahmud Khan said that HIV patients can live healthy lives with regular medicine and follow-up care.
Nationwide HIV Situation More Alarming
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 2,000 new HIV patients were detected in Bangladesh this year — the highest in history. 200 people have died.
The highest number of new cases was found in the Dhaka Division (334 patients).
Half of Bangladesh’s HIV Patients Are MSM
National data shows that almost 50% of the total HIV patients in the country belong to the MSM (men who have sex with men) community.
DGHS also stated that the number of MSM in Bangladesh was 1,11,000 in 2015, this MSM Community increased to 1,67,000 in 2023. Experts say this group is playing a significant role in the silent spread of HIV.
Source: Ekattor TV
