24 HIV-positive cases detected in the TRNC since the beginning of 2024: Ministry of Health’s said in statement on World AIDS Day

The TRNC Ministry of Health made a statement on December 1, World AIDS Day, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this date as World AIDS Day in 1988 to promote societal awareness about HIV/AIDS.

AIDS is the advanced stage of the disease caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which damages the body's immune system. Individuals carrying this virus are referred to as HIV-positive. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, infected blood, shared needles, and from mother to baby during childbirth. Furthermore, practices like tattoos or piercings are also considered risk factors for HIV transmission.

The Ministry highlighted that HIV is a preventable disease and that protective measures are more effective and affordable than treatment. Using condoms correctly during sexual intercourse is the most reliable way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. Additionally, it was stressed that individuals should immediately visit healthcare facilities and get tested in suspicious situations.

In the country, all blood is tested for HIV to prevent transmission via blood and blood products, and tests are also conducted before organ and tissue transplants. According to the Ministry's data, as of the end of 2023, 42.3 million people worldwide have died due to HIV/AIDS, with 630,000 deaths in 2023 alone. Additionally, 1.3 million new HIV cases were diagnosed globally.

In Northern Cyprus, 24 HIV-positive cases have been identified since the beginning of 2024. Of these, 13 are male citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). HIV testing is available at all state hospitals in the TRNC. Individuals consulting infectious disease specialists can easily get tested.

The Ministry emphasized that with early treatment, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy lives without developing the disease. It underscored the importance of everyone taking precautions to protect themselves.