Zalingei, February 28(Darfur24)
A medical source at Zalingei Hospital in Central Darfur State revealed on Saturday that HIV/AIDS cases have reached record levels this year.
The medical source, who reviewed the infection statistics, told Darfur24 that the hospital has recorded 93 cases, all of which were discovered when patients came individually for medical examination related to other illnesses, only to later be found to be infected with the virus.
He indicated that the majority of infections were recorded among girls and women of various ages, in addition to newborns and young people from other age groups.
For her part, an employee of a health organization – who preferred to remain anonymous as she was not authorized to speak to Darfur24 – revealed that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provides treatment for HIV/AIDS patients at the hospital, and that it is dispensed regularly according to a schedule.
She explained that HIV cases are widespread, noting that other infections have been detected in health centers not registered within the hospital’s treatment system.
She added, “Most cases are discovered during childbirth or during blood transfusions or donations, where the infection is identified during medical examinations.”
Darfur24 was unable to obtain comment from the health authorities in Central Darfur State regarding the recorded figures and the health interventions undertaken.
Earlier, the World Health Organization stated that HIV cases in Sudan had risen to 48,000, indicating that conflict-affected areas such as Darfur and Khartoum are experiencing an increased risk of HIV transmission due to the disruption of prevention and treatment programs.
The organization stated that the conflict has hampered Sudan’s ability to maintain HIV treatment programs, with only 34% of health facilities providing HIV treatment services operational.
It reported that studies in conflict zones confirm that rape and sexual violence increase HIV infection rates, especially in contexts lacking medical care and preventive treatment.