16 HIV cases reported in Pabna

Homosexuality is reportedly increasing at an alarming rate among various groups, including students, in Pabna district.

The number has already exceeded 1,600 individuals. As a result, concerns are growing over the spread of HIV/AIDS in the district. So far, 16 people have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Pabna.

This information was disclosed by the Key Populations (KP) Center of Pabna General Hospital during a workshop held on Wednesday (June 17) at the hospital’s conference room.

At the workshop titled “Human Rights and HIV in Bangladesh: The Role of the Media,” Dr. Moniruzzaman, Focal Person of the KP Center, and Dr. Ahsanul Kabir, Center Manager, presented various HIV-related issues in Pabna and outlined measures to address them.

According to the presentation, HIV is spreading in Pabna through several key populations, including injecting drug users, female sex workers, male sex workers, homosexual individuals, and the transgender community.

The district has identified 1,615 homosexual individuals, 765 female sex workers, 908 male sex workers, 110 transgender persons, and 484 injecting drug users.

A total of 16 people have so far tested positive for HIV/AIDS in Pabna. Of them, seven are reported to be homosexual.

Among those present at the workshop were Dr. Rafiqul Hasan, Assistant Director of Pabna General Hospital; ABM Fazlur Rahman, former President of Pabna Press Club; Treasurer Abul Kalam Azad; and journalists from electronic, print, and digital media outlets across the district.