Ali Akbar Sayyari, Deputy Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education of Iran, announced on Wednesday that the transmission of HIV through sexual relations has doubled. According to IRNA, Sayyari stated at a press conference with the Deputy Director of the World Health Organization regarding the status of HIV in Iran that the pattern of sexual transmission of HIV is increasing and controlling it requires transparent communication with the public. He added that the first wave of HIV transmission was through shared needles among intravenous drug users, which was controlled by distributing free syringes and methadone among addicts and in prisons, a significant achievement. The Iranian Ministry of Health reported in May of this year that the number of people infected with the HIV virus in the country exceeded 31,000. Sayyari also mentioned that the current serious issue is the transmission of HIV through sexual contact, which has doubled in the past decade, increasing from 15% to 30%. He noted that this issue is not unique to Iran and exists worldwide. Regarding the reasons for the increase in sexual transmission of HIV, he stated that the failure to control sexual transmission in Iran is due to the inability to openly and transparently discuss all issues, such as the difficulty in talking about condoms. He emphasized that controlling HIV involves three key words: first, self-restraint; second, family formation; and if family formation does not occur, preventive measures must be provided to the public. Sayyari also reported on harm reduction services for sex workers, stating that new centers have been established alongside health network centers to examine sex workers and protect them from sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, and other STIs. He added that in these centers, after examination, sex workers receive necessary training for the prevention of STIs, and preventive tools are provided to them for free. Officials from the Iranian Ministry of Health stated that the current statistics on HIV infections only pertain to identified individuals, and 70% of those infected remain unidentified. According to the Ministry of Health, 85% of HIV patients are male, and 15% are female.
Ministry of Health: HIV Transmission Through Sexual Relations in Iran Has Doubled
The Iranian Ministry of Health reported a doubling of HIV transmission through sexual relations, now accounting for 30% of cases. This increase highlights the need for better public health communication and education on sexual health. The issue is part of a broader global trend and reflects challenges in addressing sexual health openly in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Ministry of Health announced that HIV transmission through sexual relations has doubled, now accounting for 30% of cases. This increase highlights the need for improved public health communication and education on sexual health in Iran.
- Over 31,000 people are reported to be infected with HIV in Iran.
- 85% of HIV patients are male, while 15% are female.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
HIV transmission in Iran has historically been linked to intravenous drug use, but recent trends indicate a worrying shift towards sexual transmission. This reflects broader societal challenges in discussing sexual health openly.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%