World Health Organization Starts Testing Program for HIV/AIDS in Afghanistan

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday it was planning to survey the level of HIV/AIDS and STDs in Afghanistan and to encourage pre-transfusion testing of donated blood. "There is little information on the number of HIV and AIDS cases in Afghanistan, nor among the refugee population in neighboring countries," the WHO said. The results of the survey will be used to create a national plan of action for the control of the diseases. Ten HIV/AIDS cases inside Afghanistan have been reported to the WHO. The UN organization has sent 18 HIV/AIDS testing kits to Afghanistan, each of which allows for 100 tests, and has trained technicians in carrying out the tests. Of the 44 hospitals currently performing surgery in Afghanistan, just over half are testing blood, the agency reported. "One of the key elements of the HIV/AIDS program in Afghanistan will be to ensure safe blood for the population. Although it appears that AIDS is still a minor health problem in Afghanistan, other blood-borne infections, including hepatitis, are major health concerns," said the WHO report.

Back to other CDC news for February 15, 2002

Previous Updates