World AIDS Day 2019

On 1^st December, World AIDS Day is held to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS worldwide, with the hope to end isolation, stigma, and, ultimately, HIV transmission. This year’s global campaign focuses on the importance of communities and how “communities make the difference”.

Communities aid inclusion and change whilst fighting discrimination at local, national and international levels. At Better2Know, we believe in the normalisation of HIV and AIDS. We aim to improve the health of our patients both in the Middle East and around the world.

Whilst conclusive sexual health data can prove difficult to acquire in certain Middle Eastern nations, the threat of HIV remains ever-present. As reported by Avert, it is estimated that around 240,000 people are living with HIV in the Middle East and North Africa. Around 8,400 people are believed to have died from AIDS-related causes during 2018 – a decrease of nearly 25% since 2016.

However, there remains an increasing number of new HIV infections each year. In 2018, there were an estimated 20,000 new HIV infections. Although this may indicate a higher number of people are getting tested, the figures are still alarming. Only 32% of adults and 35% of children are receiving effective HIV treatment.

The region remains distant from the international 90 90 90 targets. Introduced by UNAIDS in 2014, the global initiative has three distinct goals in place:

• By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their status.
• By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV will receive sustained treatment (antiretroviral therapy).
• By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression – meaning that the virus is undetectable and cannot be passed on.

Fortunately, understanding of HIV has increased significantly over time. Advancements in effective medication ensure that HIV is no longer the debilitating, life-threatening illness it once was. The virus can now be managed and treated, allowing a person with HIV to live a normal, healthy life.

Regular HIV testing and early intervention are of high importance. The sooner HIV is diagnosed and treated, the lower the likelihood that the infection will be passed on to another person.

With private facilities in major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Jeddah, Better2Know provides same or next day appointments to patients throughout the Middle East. Download our free fact sheet for more information on HIV and AIDS. You can also visit our website to learn more about our HIV tests and screens.

To arrange an appointment today, contact Better2Know on the telephone number above. A trained sexual health advisor will answer your questions and process your booking. Alternatively, you can book your test online, at any time, by selecting the Book Now button at the top of the page.

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