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Join on Telegram Rabat – The Middle East and North Africa region is witnessing the most rapid increase of HIV cases in 20 years, a report from the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has established.
Titled “The Forgotten Millions: Mapping Immunocompromised Patients in the Middle East and North Africa,” the report found out that the number of HIV infections in the region increased by 31% in the past 20 years.
The increase was the highest documented one across all regions in the world throughout this period, the report said, adding that the region now has 180,000 people living with the disease.
The lack of comprehensive data in the region could also indicate a higher rate than the global average, noted Viraj Rajadhyaksha, AstraZeneca area medical director for the Middle East and North Africa.
The report recommended that governments start collecting more data on vulnerable groups, and update regional guidelines to allow patients clearer options for diagnosis and treatment.
The trend captured by the AstraZeneca report becomes even more concerning when taking into account that countries in the region (and around the world) are just emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the disease’s effect being much harsher on immunocompromised people, Rajadhyaksha explained that vaccines might not be as effective for them or that people with the condition might be unable to take them.
While it is still possible to eradicate in the MENA, experts at UNAIDS said in a 2021 study, the region needs more investment and political will from governments. The experts also called for ending stigma and discrimination around the disease, as well as raising awareness.
Human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, is a virus that targets the immune system, and can lead to AIDS if not treated. There is currently no reliable cure for the virus.
Diabetes and cancer accounted for a third of the disease burden in the region, the AstraZeneca report also showed.
