DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday joined the world in observing the World AIDS Day in support of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HMC’s Head of Infectious Diseases and AIDS Programme Manager,
Dr Abdullatif Al Khal said that despite Qatar having a multi-ethnic and diverse population, HIV incidence in the country has remained relatively low partly due to its National AIDS Programme that implements early surveillance and treatment strategies. “
As a country committed to the well-being and good health of its population, Qatar has put in place a National Aids Programme focusing on raising awareness of the virus as well as providing comprehensive care to affected individuals in the country,” said Dr Al Khal.
According to him the main mode of HIV transmission in Qatar is through intercourse with HIV-infected persons without knowing that they are infected.
However, under the National AIDS Programme anyone living in Qatar and diagnosed with HIV infection is given the appropriate counseling and the most advanced treatment available. “Once a person is diagnosed with HIV, he/she will be provided with a holistic care to ensure their immunity is preserved and that their condition does not deteriorate into AIDS thus avoiding opportunistic infections and other complications,” said Al Khal adding that all persons with HIV are treated equally and their confidentiality is respected.
He said that HIV infection is often diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which detect the presence or absence of HIV antibodies. “Most often these tests provide same day test results; essential for same day diagnosis and early treatment and care. These tests are readily available in the private and public sectors and all persons who think that they were exposed to the infection are encouraged to go for testing since early treatment can prevent deterioration of the immune system.
Dr Al Khal reiterated that there is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective treatment with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy and productive lives, and can potentially live their full lives he added. World AIDS Day is held on December 1 each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with the virus and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and was first observed in 1988. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV continues to be a major global public health problem.
The Peninsula
DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) yesterday joined the world in observing the World AIDS Day in support of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HMC’s Head of Infectious Diseases and AIDS Programme Manager,
Dr Abdullatif Al Khal said that despite Qatar having a multi-ethnic and diverse population, HIV incidence in the country has remained relatively low partly due to its National AIDS Programme that implements early surveillance and treatment strategies. “
As a country committed to the well-being and good health of its population, Qatar has put in place a National Aids Programme focusing on raising awareness of the virus as well as providing comprehensive care to affected individuals in the country,” said Dr Al Khal.
According to him the main mode of HIV transmission in Qatar is through intercourse with HIV-infected persons without knowing that they are infected.
However, under the National AIDS Programme anyone living in Qatar and diagnosed with HIV infection is given the appropriate counseling and the most advanced treatment available. “Once a person is diagnosed with HIV, he/she will be provided with a holistic care to ensure their immunity is preserved and that their condition does not deteriorate into AIDS thus avoiding opportunistic infections and other complications,” said Al Khal adding that all persons with HIV are treated equally and their confidentiality is respected.
He said that HIV infection is often diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which detect the presence or absence of HIV antibodies. “Most often these tests provide same day test results; essential for same day diagnosis and early treatment and care. These tests are readily available in the private and public sectors and all persons who think that they were exposed to the infection are encouraged to go for testing since early treatment can prevent deterioration of the immune system.
Dr Al Khal reiterated that there is no cure for HIV infection. However, effective treatment with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can control the virus so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy and productive lives, and can potentially live their full lives he added. World AIDS Day is held on December 1 each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with the virus and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and was first observed in 1988. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV continues to be a major global public health problem.
The Peninsula
