The One with the AIDS

Hi friends,

In today's Saudi Gazette, there is an article on AIDS, which I thought is mindblowing because uptil the year 2004, the country was in denial that AIDS existed in the Kingdom. The figures are:

41% HIV +ve are in Jeddah
16% HIV +ve are in Riyadh
12% HIV +ve are in Dammam
6% HIV +ve are in Asir

There are 3 women for every man infected.

Highest rate is within the age group of 15-45 years old. (Can you imagine that? 15 years old!)

Reasons:
45 % sexual intercourse
20% blood transfusion
6% through mothers
2% through drug abuse
remainder through "unknown means" (what they dont want to write is homosexuality!)

The common factor linking all AIDS patients in Saudi Arabia is the fact that they are shunned from all workplaces as well as homes. Parents do not want AIDS infected children, employers do not want AIDS infected employees, and hospitals refuse to treat AIDS patients, as was the case of a patient who was literally thrown out of the hospital onto the streets!

One thing I am glad is that the newspaper has taken the bold step to highlight the issue of AIDS in the Kingdom. Mind you, the reporter mentioned in the article that the figures are much higher than what is written in the paper! I think only education and awareness will help the cases of the patients who are affected with the disease!

On a lighter notre, to those who have been sending in comments to me: thanks!

Take care,

Mansur