AIDS infection rate in Egypt does not exceed 0.02%: Health Ministry

CAIRO – 30 November 2020: Up to 13,000 Egyptians are living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) as revealed by Ministry of Health and Population, Monday.

The Ministry stated that out of 13,000 Egyptian, only 7,800 are receiving treatments, and that the highest age group among patients is between the ages of 25 and 35 years old, representing 42 percent of the total cases of infections

The ministry confirmed that the infection rate of AIDS in Egypt does not exceed 0.02%.

In conjunction with the World AIDS Day, December 1st, the Ministry added that its treatment protocols are being followed up with the aim of reducing the spread of AIDS infection by 2030 to achieve the sustainable development goal of Egypt's 2030 vision.

The Ministry indicated that it is in the process of opening 13 new hospital centers for treating AIDS patients in addition to the rest of the AIDS treatment centers located in 14 governorates all over the country.

In September, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population organized a training course for diagnosing and treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The week-long training comes as part of the follow-up to the updated treatment protocols and to limit the spread of AIDS infection by 2030, which meets the sustainable development goals and Egypt’s 2030 vision.

“The training aims to building doctors’ capabilities in clinical care for AIDS patients, as updating treatment protocols and guidelines for diagnosis, as well as care and treatment were discussed during the activities of the training course,” stated Media Spokesperson for Health Ministry Khaled Megahed.

Doctors from fever hospitals in 13 governorates across the country also participated in the training to acquire expertise and build their capabilities, as a prelude to inaugurate AIDS treatment centers in these governorates.

A digital system will be designed to comprise all data related to AIDS, patients and treatment history to facilitate following up on the cases when transferred to different governorates to be cured.