World AIDS Day: 1,438 new cases reported this year

HIV-positive cases and AIDS patients are increasing in Bangladesh. This year, 1,438 new individuals have been infected with the virus. A significant portion of those affected are from the gay community. While previously the number of AIDS sufferers was higher among migrant workers and intravenous drug users, this time the rate is higher among homosexuals.

Amid this situation, the country is observing World AIDS Day on Sunday. This year’s theme is "When Rights Are Fulfilled, HIV/AIDS Will Disappear."

According to the Directorate General of Health Services' AIDS control programme, 1,438 new cases of HIV/AIDS have been reported this year. Among them, 42% are from the gay community, 24% from the general population, and 10% are Rohingya refugees. Other affected groups include migrant workers, sex workers, drug users, and third-gender individuals.

The highest number of cases have been reported in the Dhaka Division, with 406 cases, followed by Chattogram with 326, Khulna with 154, and Rajshahi with 147. Other divisions report between 44 and 86 cases. Of the patients, 63% are between 25 and 49 years old, and 21% are between 20 and 24 years old.

According to the DGHS, 195 deaths have been recorded among those infected with AIDS. Of the deceased, 77% are male, 22% are female, and 1% are third-gender individuals. Most of the deaths occurred among individuals aged 60 and above.

The first HIV-infected individual was identified in Bangladesh in 1989. As of November 30, 2024, 12,422 cases have been detected. A total of 2,281 deaths have been reported among these individuals. According to UNAIDS, the estimated number of people living with HIV in Bangladesh is 14,000, with an identification rate of 88.72%.

Of the infected population, 7,500 individuals are receiving treatment, while nearly 2,000 remain untreated, posing a significant risk.

At the Infectious Disease Hospital, eight AIDS patients are currently admitted for treatment. Six of them were infected by family members.

According to the hospital authorities, 2,490 individuals were tested for HIV in 2024 until November, and 188 were diagnosed. During this period, 29 deaths occurred among patients receiving treatment. Among the newly diagnosed individuals, 71 were gay men.

Dr. Shreevas Paul, Junior Consultant at the hospital, stated, "Ten years ago, the majority of AIDS cases were from two groups: sex workers and those who received their services. However, in the past two to three years, there has been a concerning increase in the number of gay men among our patients."

Shreevas added, "We have learned that many gay men are involved in online app-based groups. It is believed that these groups have several hundred thousand young members, many of whom are at high risk of infection."