HIV/AIDS in Palestine: A growing concern

Int J Infect Dis. 2020 Jan:90:18-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.10.019. Epub 2019 Oct 21.

Abstract

According to the United Nations AIDS reports in 2018, the Middle East and North Africa region is considered an area of increasing concern for HIV infection due to high mortality associated with AIDS. The incidence of HIV/AIDS in Palestine between 1988 and 2017 as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health was analyzed. A total of 98 cases were reported (79 AIDS patients and 19 HIV positives). A nationwide surveillance is needed to understand the epidemiology of HIV infection in the country. Identification of the HIV risk factors and health outreach directed to the public are essentially crucial prevention measures that should be implemented by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Keywords: AIDS; Gaza Strip; HIV; Palestine; West Bank.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV / genetics
  • HIV / isolation & purification
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Middle East / epidemiology
  • Young Adult