Qatar has one of the lowest HIV rates

Qatar has one of the lowest rates of HIV infection in the world, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) stated as the country observed World Aids Day.

SCH noted that an integrated HIV control strategy that focuses on investment in preventive strategic activities,which include raising awareness about the disease, voluntary HIV testing and counselling, promotion of the Islamic cultural and social values and providing high quality treatment and care services to people living with HIV/Aids, have resulted in the low rates of the disease in the country.

The SCH, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation and other partners form the public and private sector are conducting an awareness campaign on HIV prevention and updating the national strategies to strengthen national response to prevent and control HIV.

Qatar is committed to contribute effectively in the global efforts to fight the spread of HIV through the adoption of a national plan that is built on the international and regional strategic directions which includes integrated prevention and treatment strategies.

The Eastern Mediterranean region celebrates the World Aids Day 2015 under the theme “HIV Treatment for All” to support the regional initiative to address the lack of HIV treatment in some countries in the region.

This initiative calls upon strengthening the collaboration between governments, Civil Society Organisations, People living with HIV and the private sector to convey the massage that HIV treatment is not only about availing drugs, it is about getting HIV patients involved in the continuum of treatment and support services.

The world has come a long way since 2000, achieving the global target of halting and reversing the spread of HIV.

New infections have fallen by 35% since 2000 and Aids-related deaths by 24%. [Gulf Times]