Dhaka leads AIDS rise

Staff Reporter :

AIDS is a deadly disease spreading rapidly across Bangladesh and many countries worldwide. The Department of Health reports Dhaka district recorded the highest new HIV cases this year, with 334, followed by Comilla, Chattogram, and Khulna divisions. Sirajganj remains the district with the largest number of patients in Rajshahi division.

While several nations face alarming outbreaks, Bangladesh is witnessing a steady rise in HIV-positive cases, particularly in districts like Sirajganj and Barisal.

Nationally, nearly half of the new cases involve men who have sex with men (MSM).
Health officials warn that MSM communities pose a challenge due to social stigma and the hidden nature of the transmission routes.

In Sirajganj, 255 HIV-positive patients were identified over the past five years, with 26 deaths reported. Although authorities do not yet consider it a ‘red zone,’ concern is growing. Barisal recorded 20 new HIV-positive cases in the past year, 11 of whom were students. Doctors link the rise to needle sharing among drug users, secrecy around disease status, lack of awareness, and unsafe sexual activities.

Data from the Sirajganj sadar hospital ART center shows most patients are local, with a mortality count of 26 over five years. Meanwhile, Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College reports similar trends and near 39per cent growth in new cases within a year.

The program manager Md. Alauddin Chowdhury confirms the rise of AIDS testing, reduced stigma, more prevention and treatment programs, and better awareness, but notes MSM cases are growing faster than others. Between November 2023 and October 2024, roughly 2,000 new HIV infections were reported, with 200 deaths, up from 1,438 infections and 195 deaths the previous year. The health department describes MSM as silent transmitters, spreading the virus unknowingly among the wider population.

Bangladesh’s first HIV case was detected in 1989, and after 35 years, the latest annual increase has set a new record.

According to the AIDS/STD program, the number of MSM in Bangladesh grew from 111,000 in 2015 to 167,000 in 2023. Nearly 50per cent of all registered HIV patients are identified as MSM-a sensitive fact unveiled while researching for World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1.

In line with the global observance, Bangladesh will observe the World AIDS Day to raise awareness and curb the deadly disease with appropriate program. This year’s theme of the day is ‘remove all barriers; build an AIDS-free society.’ Like other countries, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has undertaken various initiatives to observe the day.

According to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and AIDS Control Program (TB-L & ASP), 1,438 new AIDS cases were detected in the country between November 2023 and October 2024 and during this period, 195 people died of AIDS. To mark the day, a discussion will be held today at 10.30 am at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital auditorium. Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Prof. Dr. Md Abu Zafar will attend the discussion as the chief guest.

Since 1988, the day has been observed globally to promote prevention and raise public awareness about AIDS, caused by the HIV virus.

To meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, Bangladesh aims to identify 95per cent of HIV cases, bring 95per cent of infected people under treatment, and achieve viral load suppression in 95per cent of those treated. However, current realities lag far behind these targets.
As of now, around 16,863 HIV patients have been identified nationwide, with 2,281 deaths and 8,309 receiving treatment.

Hospital data from the Infectious Disease Hospital shows new cases continue to rise, with many young patients aged 20-30 and returning migrant workers. A troubling number of infections stem from risky sexual behaviors among MSM and male sex workers. Doctors highlight lack of advanced diagnostic facilities like MRI and CD4 count testing, along with staff shortages, limited drug supplies, and no dialysis services for complicated cases. They stress the urgent need for enhanced resources and awareness to combat the growing epidemic.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2025, “Break the barriers, build an AIDS-free society,” reflects the critical challenges Bangladesh must overcome to curb HIV/AIDS and protect its population.