Following is the text of the press release:

World Health Organization (WHO)

14 Feb 2002

HIV/AIDS and STDs in Afghanistan

The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to begin a survey of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases in Afghanistan.

There is little information on the number of HIV and AIDS cases in Afghanistan, nor amongst the refugee population in neighboring countries. Therefore, a priority in the months ahead will be to carry out a survey to get a better idea on the prevalence of the disease within the Afghan population. By the end of the year 2003, a national plan of action on infection control of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and syphilis, will be completed. The plan will focus on how best to develop culturally sensitive public awareness campaigns, and counseling services for individuals and families. It will also propose the best strategy to contain and treat HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases in Afghanistan.

To date, ten cases of HIV/AIDS inside Afghanistan have been reported to the World Health Organization. Although this is a limited number, health officials recognize the need to start early in developing activities to contain AIDS because of the rapid speed in which the disease multiplies. Every day, 14,000 people around the world are infected with the deadly virus. Forty million people are living with HIV or AIDS, and about a third of them are between 15 and 24 years of age. There are an estimated 100, 000 people in Pakistan infected with the AIDS virus. As in other countries in this region, HIV infection is concentrated in specific groups of the population, such as drug users, migrants, and those who practice risky sexual behavior.

HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through unprotected sexual relations, intravenous drug use, contaminated blood and re-use of medical equipment without sterilization. One of the key elements of the HIV/AIDS program in Afghanistan will be to ensure safe blood for the population. Although it appears that AIDS is still a minor health problem in Afghanistan, other blood-borne infections, including hepatitis are major health concerns. Therefore, the establishment of safe blood banks will be prioritized in the upcoming year.

There are currently 44 medical facilities performing surgery in Afghanistan but just over half are testing blood. WHO has sent 18 HIV/AIDS testing kits to Afghanistan (that is three for each of the six regions; each kit allows for one hundred tests) and has trained lab technicians to use reagents to trace HIV in blood. The WHO goal is to have all facilities testing all blood before transfusions by the end of this year.

Making blood transfusions safe is especially important for maternal health care. One of WHO's objectives for the reconstruction of Afghanistan's health sector is to increase access to emergency obstetric care through the development of referral centers. Emergency births often entail surgery and subsequently, blood transfusions. Therefore, there will an increased need for labs to test blood for hepatitis and HIV before mothers receive the necessary transfusions.

The WHO program will prioritize training Afghan staff working in health facilities in infection control. Training will focus on safe disposal of syringes, and needles and sterilization of surgical equipment.