27.12.2025 19:30
Professor Dr. Emin Halis Akalın, the Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, emphasized that while there are places in the world where the number of HIV cases is on the decline, the situation in Turkey is different.
A seminar titled "Are We Aware Enough of HIV/AIDS?" was held as part of the 'Health in Nilüfer' meetings organized by Nilüfer Municipality.
Many citizens who wanted to gain knowledge attended the program at the Dr. Ceyhun İrgil Health Museum of Nilüfer Municipality, along with Nilüfer Deputy Mayor Okan Şahin. In the program, Prof. Dr. Emin Halis Akalın, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, and academician Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Önal shared important information on the subject.
INCREASING TREND IN CASE NUMBERS IN TURKEY
Prof. Dr. Emin Halis Akalın emphasized that while there are places in the world where HIV cases are decreasing, the situation in Turkey is different. Reminding that this disease has been a significant epidemic since the 1980s, Akalın stated, "While new infection numbers are decreasing in a significant part of the world, unfortunately, the figures in Turkey show an upward trend. According to official records, about 60,000 people have been diagnosed, but this number should be doubled when considering those who are unaware of their condition. We now refer to these individuals as 'people living with HIV' instead of 'HIV positive.' Because with today's effective treatments, the life expectancy of these individuals has reached the same level as those who do not live with HIV," he said.
Akalın thanked Nilüfer Municipality for raising awareness on such an important issue and emphasized that the Anonymous Testing Center within the municipality plays a vital role in preventing stigma and discrimination by offering anonymous testing opportunities.
"THE MOST COMMON MODE OF TRANSMISSION IS UNPROTECTED CONTACT"
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Önal, who shared information about the transmission routes of the disease and prevention methods, addressed the misconceptions in society and the power of treatment. Providing information about transmission routes, Önal stated, "The most common mode of transmission is unprotected sexual contact. However, HIV cannot be transmitted through shaking hands, hugging, breathing the same air, or using shared cutlery. If an individual regularly takes their medication and reduces the virus in their blood to an undetectable level, they are no longer considered infectious. This situation protects public health and allows individuals to have children and continue their normal lives," he said.
The academics reminded that early diagnosis is the strongest weapon to prevent the collapse of the immune system and to stop the spread in society. The seminar concluded with the academics answering questions from the participants.