New HIV Statistics; Dr. Alai: 'Iran is below the global target'

The Iranian Ministry of Health has reported the deaths of 21,823 people due to HIV. The Ministry's Infectious Diseases Management Office estimates the number of HIV-positive individuals in Iran at 45,463. Dr. Arash Alai stated in an interview with Voice of America that multiple studies have shown the number of HIV cases in Iran to be between 95,000 and 120,000, indicating that official statistics reflect only half of these figures. Previously, Minou Mohraz, former head of the AIDS Research Center, also mentioned that the actual number of AIDS cases is three to four times higher than government figures. Dr. Alai noted that there is a significant 'legal barrier' in Iran, causing people, especially women, to avoid testing due to social stigma and legal repercussions. He added that the Ministry of Health presents figures in a way that is 'misleading.' To assess the HIV situation, three indicators based on global standards set by the 'Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS' are considered, known as '95, 95, 95.' The first indicator states that 95% of individuals infected with HIV should be aware of their status. The second indicates that 95% of those aware of their status should start antiretroviral treatment, and the third measures the treatment's effectiveness, meaning that the virus should be suppressed in 95% of these individuals. Dr. Alai claims that in Iran, all three indicators are significantly below the global targets. He added, 'In Iran, less than 50% of individuals are aware of their HIV status, primarily due to stigma and discrimination associated with the disease and severe penalties for individuals due to multiple sexual relationships, same-sex relationships, and injection use.' Dr. Alai emphasized that this is assuming the official statistics provided by the Ministry of Health are accurate. The second indicator—the number of individuals who have started treatment—is also significantly lower than the 95% set by global standards, with the latest Iranian statistics showing that out of 23,640 individuals aware of their status, only 17,047 had begun treatment. The third indicator, which concerns the treatment's effectiveness and virus control in those receiving treatment, is also 'uncertain,' with no precise information provided. Other barriers to combating HIV in Iran include restrictions on prevention methods. New statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that the modes of transmission for this virus have changed, with currently 57% transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and 16% through shared injection. Dr. Alai stated that while access to condoms was previously available through free health networks, it has become restricted following Ali Khamenei's policies on population growth and the passage of the 'Youth Population Law.' He noted that as the mode of transmission has shifted to unprotected sexual intercourse, there is a need for media to educate about healthy sexual practices, yet prevention methods have also been limited, and syringe exchange and substitution therapy programs, which were once progressing well, are no longer actively pursued. HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed the lives of 40.1 million people. The HIV virus targets white blood cells and weakens the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to other diseases. HIV is transmitted through the bodily fluids of an infected person and is not spread through kissing, hugging, or sharing food. HIV is treatable and preventable with antiretroviral therapies. Untreated HIV can typically develop into AIDS after several years. Dr. Alai mentioned that HIV treatment in Iran is free and funded through the Global Fund, which was established to assist low-income countries in combating this disease, so patients in Iran should be able to access these services for free. Increased access to prevention items has led to a decrease in AIDS cases in the U.S. An Iranian Ministry of Health official stated that there is a 'serious problem' in identifying HIV-positive individuals. Experts argue that sexually transmitted diseases cannot be controlled with the prohibition of free distribution of contraceptive devices in Iran. On World AIDS Day, the commitment of the U.S. to end AIDS by 2030 contrasts with the unclear outlook for controlling this disease in Iran.