Professor's HIV Warning: There Are Thousands of People Unaware of Their Condition

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Professor Dr. Yeşim Taşova, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Çukurova University, warned that "the number of HIV cases in our country has increased fourfold since 2012. We only acquire 15-16% of the HIV virus from foreign nationals. This virus is now in our own country."

According to a report prepared by UNAIDS ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1; of the 39.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, 9.3 million still do not have access to life-saving treatment. Additionally, according to the Ministry of Health, after the first HIV case was seen in our country in 1985, the number of cases has continuously increased. According to 2024 data, there are approximately 40,000 HIV positive patients in Turkey, and 2,300 AIDS cases. 80% of the cases are male, and about 15-16% are foreign nationals. Experts state that individuals infected with the HIV virus are now contracting it in Turkey.

"A SILENT EPIDEMIC"

In statements regarding the issue, Professor Dr. Yeşim Taşova explained that the cases that emerged after the pandemic period are applying at a late stage, saying, "AIDS is a silent epidemic, actually a pandemic when we look at it. Its importance decreased during the Covid period, but it has come back to the agenda now. The detection of these patients could not be fully accomplished during the Covid period. Now, with the laboratories working again, we are reaping the fruits of this disease. However, these are very bad fruits. More HIV positive patients have started to come, and they are coming at a late stage."

"WE CONTRACT THIS VIRUS FROM OUR OWN COUNTRY"

Professor Dr. Taşova, who reported that individuals infected with the HIV virus in our country are now contracting it from Turkey, then stated: "To date, there have been nearly 40,000 HIV positive cases across Turkey. There are about 2,300 AIDS cases. 80% of these are male. We are contracting this virus from our own country. About 15-16% are foreign nationals, but primarily it is found in our own country. The increasing use of drugs is also triggering this. There are cases from the age of 15 to 40, but the number of cases under 60 is increasing. Attention should be paid to adolescents and older individuals. If they go to the hospital for any health issue, they should definitely get an HIV test. The number of HIV cases in our country has increased fourfold since 2012. This is only what we know. When we look at the Ministry's data, we know only 50% of our cases. Knowing 50% means that there are people who are unaware of their own cases wandering around. Because once HIV is transmitted and not treated, it is contagious. It is transmitted through blood and sexually."

"PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO BE CHECKED"

Pointing out that the HIV virus can also be transmitted from mother to baby, Professor Dr. Yeşim Taşova stated, "Transmission from mother to baby is also possible. If the mother is positive and has not been treated, the baby can be infected at birth or during breastfeeding. Pregnant women must be checked. There are 50% who are unaware of their condition. We need to find and treat these individuals."

"A PERSON WHO DOES NOT RECEIVE TREATMENT DIES WITHIN 8-10 YEARS"

Emphasizing that the HIV test is very simple and its treatment is free, Professor Dr. Yeşim Taşova stated, "A person who does not receive treatment after contracting the HIV virus becomes AIDS within 8-10 years and then dies. However, if they receive treatment, these individuals do not die from HIV. Finding this 50% is very important. This virus is detected with a very simple ELISA test. Our healthcare system covers this very expensive treatment that will last a lifetime."