88 people have HIV in Northern Cyprus

A total of 88 people are living with HIV in northern Cyprus, the TRNC Ministry of Health has announced. 

The Ministry of Health published in a message on December 1, World AIDS Day, said a total of 88 people were living with HIV viruses with 4 new cases recorded this year.

The message is as follows:  

AIDS, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is an infectious disease that collapses the body's immune system. With the collapse of the Immune System, AIDS patients become vulnerable to infectious diseases and cancer. This virus that causes AIDS is called HIV. 

According to the data of the World Health Organization, 38 million people in the world carry the HIV virus. In 2019, 690 000 people died of AIDS-related conditions. 

In the TRNC, a total of 88 people carry HIV with 4 new cases this year. 

Protection from AIDS is the only way to prevent the spread of this dangerous and deadly virus. Prevention measures are much more effective and cheaper than treatment.  

Unprotected sexual transmission  

It is the most common mode of transmission of HIV infection. Viruses can be transmitted by sexual contact with a sick person without using protection (condom). 

Unsafe and unprotected sexual contact should not be made. 

If any cutting, piercing tool or needle application (tattoo, piercing, etc.) that will damage the skin will be done, the sterilization rules should be followed. 

In the TRNC, all kinds of blood and blood products are given to patients after necessary tests. Health services should be obtained from institutions that provide medical services or dental health services incurred by the Ministry of Health. 

Contamination with Blood and Blood Products Due to the high amount of virus in the blood, the disease can be transmitted by the joint use of blood and blood products taken from people who carry the virus, and the use of injectors, non-disinfected surgical materials, cutting and piercing tools. 

Mother-to-baby transmission  

HIV infection can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  HIV-positive mothers should not breastfeed their babies. 

HIV-Free Situations  

·Touching, shaking and hugging 

·Tears, sweat and saliva 

·Sharing the same pool, bath, toilet, sauna and shower 

·Sharing clothes   

·Sharing plates, forks, spoons, knives and glasses 

·With flies, mosquitoes, insect bites and animal bites 

·By wearing the same phone headset and touching the doorknob